Thursday, June 23, 2011
Chapter 3-WOW!
What an evening! Mid way through our discussion on chapter 3, Grace Ann had a breakthrough. She made the comment that even if teens wanted to do something, parents probably wouldn't let them. So we dug in to that and it led to a question of "why isn't such and such done at our church?". The answer is-because you haven't tried to do it yet. Next thing we know, the kids are forming a team and looking at doing the children's moment, children's church, organizing a worship orchestra, getting our services on the internet, podcasting as outreach, joining the church council, and leading worship once a month!!!!! As we talked about low expectations that adults have for teens and how they are like a rope that holds them back from achieving things, a passion for action welled up in the kids. They became concerned with the church's content to have youth be present-they want to be a part of our ministry. And so began the ministry of Exceeding Expectations, the name for a small group of teens who are determined to rise above low expectations and achieve more for the Kingdom than anyone ever thought they could. What an amazing move of God!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Week 2-Chapters 1-2
You are not average! If you are a part of this small group, you are well above average. Think about how many of your friends who say they love Christ have chosen to be elsewhere, not engaged with Christ right now. That sets you apart. but what does that mean?
You have power of influence, power of passion, and power of leadership. Adults don't think you can do much because they have been lumping you exceptional teens into the same category as the slackers. but you have been robbed in the process! You haven't been given opportunities to serve. You have been robbed of challenges that will help you grow. You have been short changed because your friends have been allowed to make a name for you.So, what can you do about that?
Chapter 2 introduces us to a young girl who worked for a reelection campaign. You was an introvert, very shy and didn't like talking to others she didn't know. Her job? She was to cold call people for support! And she did an amazing job. There's more you can accomplish than you think. Just as adult have short changed you and lowered their expectations of you, you have bought into that concept a little as well. Why? Your teen years aren't meant for goofing off and just getting by. You have the best opportunity you will ever have to change the social climate around you. What could UC become if you took a stand to change the "average teen" of you school into a motivated, God loving, sincere teen? It could be awe inspiring!!! But it starts with you.
Most teens in UC are boozers, sexually promiscuous, foul mouthed, slackers, and hypocrites when it comes to faith. Does that describe you? If not, why don't you do something about that? your story is being told-take control of the outcome. Show us adults that we have underestimated you. Show us we have been in error lumping you all together. Show your friends that you can live for more than this week social buzz, more than the next high, far beyond the next party.Can you do it? Yes, absolutely-together!
Many of the greatest thinkers, greatest revivalists, greatest changers of our history have been in their teens. Jesus even used teens to be his disciples. Why wouldn't He use you to make a difference in your community? The only thing stopping you is, well, you.
We'll take next week off as most of us will be on Mission Trip, doing hard things with out own hands. Chapter 3 discussion will be at our home on June 22. See you there!
You have power of influence, power of passion, and power of leadership. Adults don't think you can do much because they have been lumping you exceptional teens into the same category as the slackers. but you have been robbed in the process! You haven't been given opportunities to serve. You have been robbed of challenges that will help you grow. You have been short changed because your friends have been allowed to make a name for you.So, what can you do about that?
Chapter 2 introduces us to a young girl who worked for a reelection campaign. You was an introvert, very shy and didn't like talking to others she didn't know. Her job? She was to cold call people for support! And she did an amazing job. There's more you can accomplish than you think. Just as adult have short changed you and lowered their expectations of you, you have bought into that concept a little as well. Why? Your teen years aren't meant for goofing off and just getting by. You have the best opportunity you will ever have to change the social climate around you. What could UC become if you took a stand to change the "average teen" of you school into a motivated, God loving, sincere teen? It could be awe inspiring!!! But it starts with you.
Most teens in UC are boozers, sexually promiscuous, foul mouthed, slackers, and hypocrites when it comes to faith. Does that describe you? If not, why don't you do something about that? your story is being told-take control of the outcome. Show us adults that we have underestimated you. Show us we have been in error lumping you all together. Show your friends that you can live for more than this week social buzz, more than the next high, far beyond the next party.Can you do it? Yes, absolutely-together!
Many of the greatest thinkers, greatest revivalists, greatest changers of our history have been in their teens. Jesus even used teens to be his disciples. Why wouldn't He use you to make a difference in your community? The only thing stopping you is, well, you.
We'll take next week off as most of us will be on Mission Trip, doing hard things with out own hands. Chapter 3 discussion will be at our home on June 22. See you there!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
WEEK 1 was a blast!!
Great time last night with everybody! Sarah and I loved hanging out til 10:30 with you all! Sorry about the dog poop Bentley-Gabby was so embarrassed!
Everyone needs to read the first two chapters by next Wednesday and jot down your questions or thoughts. And don't skip over the foreword-Chuck Norris wrote it. We hope to find some Walker Texas Ranger clips to help your Chuck appreciation by next week.
Our discussions this week were very cool. I could see on your faces how hard it can be to live for Christ in your school. But I also loved seeing how you all held each other accountable and how much you desired to remain pure for Christ. Together you can do amazing things. You can change UC schools if you want to-all you have to do is pray and go!
Housekeeping: friends are always welcome. We will have discussions that won't leave them out, even if they haven't read the book for the week.. reading ahead is allowable-the book is an easy read. But be sure to skim back through it weekly so you can stay in touch with where we are and what we'll be talking about. And next week, let's help Thomas out a little better with worship. Use those voices people!
We love you, we're praying for you, and we're in this journey together. All for Him--Scott
Everyone needs to read the first two chapters by next Wednesday and jot down your questions or thoughts. And don't skip over the foreword-Chuck Norris wrote it. We hope to find some Walker Texas Ranger clips to help your Chuck appreciation by next week.
Our discussions this week were very cool. I could see on your faces how hard it can be to live for Christ in your school. But I also loved seeing how you all held each other accountable and how much you desired to remain pure for Christ. Together you can do amazing things. You can change UC schools if you want to-all you have to do is pray and go!
Housekeeping: friends are always welcome. We will have discussions that won't leave them out, even if they haven't read the book for the week.. reading ahead is allowable-the book is an easy read. But be sure to skim back through it weekly so you can stay in touch with where we are and what we'll be talking about. And next week, let's help Thomas out a little better with worship. Use those voices people!
We love you, we're praying for you, and we're in this journey together. All for Him--Scott
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Summer Time Discipleship Series-FUMC UC Youth
Guys, if you're checking this out to see how it will work, here it is. I am thinking about two or three books at the moment for our study. They are: "Do Hard Things" a great book written by two teenaged guys about using your life for God, "Pilgrim's Progress" a Christian classic about a walk with Christ, and "Stand" which is a book about apologetics, or what you believe and why. We'll pick a book in the next few weeks together and get started. In the meantime, leave me a message on here to show me you know how to use this!
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