Two weeks ago I got a concussion while speaking at the Pacific Northwest Wesleyan District Youth Camp. Here’s the full story and an update on how I’m doing. You can watch the camp highlight video at the Pacific Northwest Wesleyan District Youth page.
2012 Summer Reading List
Last November I set a goal to read 52 books in a year. That’s quite a reading list. For those of you scoring at home, that’s one book per week. I’ve got a long way to go to finish, but am pleased that I’ve read all or parts of around 35 books so far. I heard Steven Furtick say one time not to worry about finishing a book, but be more concerned getting something out of it. You may read 10 pages of a book and get the nudge, thought, or idea God intended. BTW, I read his book, Sun Stand Still
4 Keys to Speaking at Youth Camp
As a youth pastor for 13 years I was very involved with youth camps in South Carolina and North Carolina. We prayerfully considered our options for camp speakers every year. Sometimes, there was a great connection with the speaker and other times there was not. That role has been vital for me as I have opportunities to speak at other youth camps. What were we looking for and what do I try to bring with me?
1. A Word from the Lord. It doesn’t matter how great of a story teller you are, how funny you are, or how well you can explain the scriptures. When someone is asked to be a youth camp speaker they are asked to bring a Word from the Lord. That means that it is expected that they have spent time in prayer and seeking God’s face as to what He wants preached at the camp. They should’ve also spend ample time in preparation of delivering that message. Mark Wilson in his book “Filled Up Poured Out” talks about pastors speaking out of the overflow of what God is doing in their own heart. This is not about coming up with something clever to say to a room full of teens. It’s about sharing [Read more…] about 4 Keys to Speaking at Youth Camp
The Ultimate Youth Camp Packing List
Although I am not a youth pastor anymore I still am blessed to get opportunities to speak at a youth camp every now and then. As of this writing, I have spent 44 weeks of my life at various youth camps. I have tried just about every trick in the book to pack lighter and more efficiently except for one year. that year, another youth pastor and I packed all our stuff into 2 large plastic tubs and pretty much brought all our clothes to camp. As many Wesleyan youth camps kick off this week I thought I would share some packing tips for leaders and students.
A Bible and something to take notes with are a must. Sometimes a camp book is provided with note taking space and I have a collection of those dating back to ’91. It’s helpful to look back and remember key sermons and messages from the Lord.
Youth camp can be messy. Always take a pair of shoes you are willing to part with at the end of the week. For me, this is even more essential when flying. I typically have an old pair of sneakers that don’t make the trip back.
You’re also going to need some athletic shoes. Between team games and sports activities you are going to be doing a lot of running. You don’t want to spend [Read more…] about The Ultimate Youth Camp Packing List
5 Things “I Will” for Father’s Day
There was about 5 months of my life I thought I would never be a father much less get to celebrate Father’s Day. My wife had tested positive for the gene for Huntington’s disease and we had made the decision not to have children of our own. My faith as a Wesleyan pastor, Christian, and husband had never been tested so severely. 11 years, 1 healing, and 3 kids later that time of my life seems [Read more…] about 5 Things “I Will” for Father’s Day
The Story of Oakway United: A Wesleyan Fellowship
David Gould is a Wesleyan pastor in the Nashville area. He has his own radio show and has been kind enough to invite me on for Tech Talk Tuesdays. We’ve talked about how families, churches, and individuals can use technology for the good of God’s kingdom. Today he is giving me the chance to share the story of Oakway United. It’s the story of Oakway Wesleyan and Common Ground Community Church merging in November of 2011.
In December 2010, [Read more…] about The Story of Oakway United: A Wesleyan Fellowship