Leadership Celebration

Last night, we had our end of the year Student Life Leadership Celebration Dinner. (long name).  It was a time where we could appreciate our adult leadership staff, celebrate the good things of the last year, and vision cast where we are heading.  It was a fantastic night. It was a beautiful day with gorgeous sights from the Brandenburg's house. There was delicous food, worship, games, and s'mores. But above all of that, it was a great time of community with some of my closest friends at this church.

We spent some time reflecting on "wins" for the year... the "Aha" moments that left us going, "yes! this is why I'm involved in student ministries!"  It was cool to hear what people had to say. I think this is a super important thing to do that sometimes doesn't happen.  But without it, we can never appreciate or measure the progress we are making... leaving us burned out and losing passion.

As I was driving home, I was talking with my wife about the event. And it dawned on me...  We have around 30 adult leaders actively and consistently involved in the student ministry at our church! HOLY COW! That in itself is pretty cool - but really, its not about the #s.  We could get more than that, I'm sure... but what is amazing is that we have such quality people spending time with our students. People who are passionate about making a difference in student's lives. People who are servants. We don't just have a large group of people... we have the right kind of people.  I keep thinking about this, and it makes me strangely excited. Like... I can't stop thinking about it.  It reminds me of how I felt when the Cardinals were going to the Super Bowl a few years ago (before the game).

What a blessing. God is doing something big here, and I'm glad to be a part of it. As my brother would say when he was a little kid (coming out of time-out), "I just feel like loving everybody right now..."

Song of the Day: "Oh You Bring" - Hillsong United

Aha Moment: Basically this whole post... but today at our youth service was one of those moments too. Had Bennett leading our student band in a great time of worship... Had one of our interns, Reid Kerr, share his story... It was a powerful morning. God did something cool, and thats always fulfilling.  But it got me thinking... I love leading students towards Christ, but I also love building teams and getting people in the right places. Shazam.