Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

I wrote this last year and thought to share again Here: 'Twas the Night Before Youth Ministry 'Twas the Nite Before Youth Ministry, When all through the church Not a church was stirring, not even a pastor. The budget minutes were done for the year with care. In hopes that funds for the ministry next year would be there. The church-goers had gone. All full of themselves. With visions of only thinking of Thyself. The Leadership wanted the last say on everything. And the Senior Pastor had to be right on every theological thing. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter. Several of us had sprung out of the church to see what was the matter. As we entered the church parking lot What did we see? But Angry parents and students wanting youth ministry for FREE! More rapid than insults, the crowd made demands. They had expectations of what they thought youth ministry looked like and added their demands. They started to name the youth orgainzations by name: Now "Youth For Chris

So I’m going through my books and stuff. Throwing some stuff away. Going through old files, and basically File Thirteen them. I, even, went to Mike’s Used Book Store (Made some $$$) and got rid of my Left Behind Series. (Now who in their right mind who want those?) And I came across the following quotes today: “Better to eat Twinkies with friends; than to eat Broccoli alone.” “Gerrard will never be famous, and people don’t give him much slack, but he will do much for the kingdom through youth ministry. Amen” In a letter to me from a friend, Brian Bilodeau – who writes that Steve Hill paid that compliment and said hello. (Steve Hill was one of my mentors, and instructors in college on Youth Ministry and this was after I graduated) And a new and interesting site (I had an Advertisement for it) The Logan Show

After much prayer, and effort. I finally have an accountable friend and co-partner in ministry. We meet on Thursday for lunch at Damon’s. We decided to be more fruitful for monthly and updates daily as well. Good first meeting. Some questions we’re considering asking each other. (Hoping others can use these questions as well) 1. Did you accomplish your spiritual goals for this month? Did you pray for others? Did you have a quiet time with Jesus? 2. What did you do this month to enhance your relationship with your spouse? 3. In what ways has God blessed you this month? And/or what disappointment consumed your thoughts this month? 4. Did you look at other women in a lustful manner this month? 5. Have you shared your faith? In what ways? How can you improve? Have you an opportunity with a Non-Christian? 6. Where are you financially right now? Are things under control? Are things under anxiety? Is there any great debt? 7. What do you see as your number one need for the month? What are th

Ever consider running for office? How about being in a leadership positions? We've all got skeletons. Mine is the struggle with sin. I was born out of wedlock. Had a dysfunctional family. Didn't grow up in the church. Survived on my own since a teen, went to college (Did some interesting things I'm probably be branded a joker but also GREW up there), was in ministry, had some accountability, went to go to Seminary, was at my learning Church (This is one of my skeletons). Let me pause at this one. I basically was asked to resign (Nicely but otherwords, fired and it was a mutual because I knew it wasn't just me but the leadership there) I had undergone counselling and almost got out of ministry. In between ministries, I managed a Toy Store. Wife had miscarried, we struggled financially (And still do). Ended up in a ministry in Virginia. A growing process. God had planted us now in NC. (A wild journey for this Canadian). Which brings me to the point of this post. What do w

So what do you do when a Katrina victim and evacuee walks into your Church building during one of your services? Not much? Well, this happened to our church recently and it is amazing how our people are trying and bending backwards to help this young man displaced by the Hurricane. Grace abounds, point taken. What about a former youth minister - who is under investigation for child porn, let go from his Church in this area? I even had lunch with this fella. (Prior to all this stuff coming up) (I know of too many guys fired for this issue and want to protect myself - but that's another post) Well, turns out one of our church members have given this guy a job in construction. Trying to get this fella back on his feet to redemption, forgiveness, and consequences to his broken family. Grace abounds again. There is still issues with laws, and etc to go to court. And then it is amazing God has me in the place where I am. Amazing wife, 3 kids ages 3,2, and soon to be 1. WOW. God's Gra