Rain Drops & Revelations

First off, the title for this just gave me a wicked awesome idea for an illustration.

But I digress, this has probably been the most stressful week of my life I have ever encountered. Just the Reader’s Digest version that is summed up in one word: drama. I’ve been struggling with some things which led me to the decision to back away from being a youth leader for now. This decision then set forth a massive ripple which unleashed negative feelings, hurt spirits and some harsh words to be thrown about from youth and adult leaders alike whether it be about my reasons for backing down or about the pent up feelings of the youth finally spilling over as lava and scorching those it touched. In the midst of all this, I’m left standing there saying, “This is ridiculous.”

One thing that keeps ringing within my mind: We shouldn’t rely so heavily on our leaders/teachers/pastors, raising them to the status of idol and begin worshipping them rather than Christ. For the youth reading this, I understand you’re hurt by my decision but at the same time you have to understand that you do not need me but the One you do need is Jesus. I understand you require a leader or group of leaders to help you understand the Scriptures and to give you both council/counsel when necessary but when you begin to worship us rather than Christ it hurts your spiritual life and puts a tremendous strain on us. If I remember correctly, Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17:

I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose.11 My brothers and sisters, some people from Chloe’s family have told me quite plainly that there are quarrels among you.12 This is what I mean: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another says, “I follow Apollos”; another says, “I follow Peter”; and another says, “I follow Christ.”13 Christ has been divided up into different groups! Did Paul die on the cross for you? No! Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No!14 I thank God I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius15 so that now no one can say you were baptized in my name.16 (I also baptized the family of Stephanas, but I do not remember that I baptized anyone else.)17 Christ did not send me to baptize people but to preach the Good News. And he sent me to preach the Good News without using words of human wisdom so that the cross of Christ would not lose its power.

In the same way, I am just a leader. God doesn’t have to use me for His will but He chooses to. Therefore, I am not the one you should be worshipping and I pray that in all I do it points you to Christ.

From these verses and some contemplation, I have decided to come back as a youth leader to try and knock some sense into you knuckleheads, metaphorically speaking of course; I wouldn’t hurt a fly.

I’ve realized also that instead of keeping our frustrations within and allowing them to ferment and become horrible monsters that will only break loose and cause damage, we need to discuss in a loving, Christ-like manner our concerns with those we have concerns with and work them out which is clearly expressed in Matthew 18:15-20:

15 “If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again.16 But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. ‘Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.’17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector.18 “I tell you the truth, the things you don’t allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. And the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.19 “Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20 This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Think about verses 18 & 19.

Just from me reading that and trying to understand it (really wishing I had my commentary next to me right now), if we do not express our concerns with those we have concerns with and allow them to lay idle until one lashes out, the problem corrects itself (which usually it doesn’t unless someone points it out) or the problem continues only furthering the hindrance of the Body of Christ, is that something we truly want God to allow on Earth? Think about what you not voicing your concerns in a loving manner is saying. By you not voicing your concerns, you saying you’re content with it. If you’re not, then go to the person and express your concerns! However, do so in a loving manner. From the sounds of that verse, that’s what it’s saying and if I am misinterpreting these verses, someone please leave a comment or MSG me on FaceBook; I would rather have you correct me so I can understand Scripture rather than continue my life with a misunderstanding of verses.

In verses 19 & 20, it says that if we come together, come to an agreement and pray about the resolution we’ve reached, it will come to fruition or come to life, in a sense, by the power and grace of God. It also says that, “I am there with them.” If we come to a resolution and work our concerns out, we begin to see Christ more clearly and even mature a little or a lot, depending on the circumstances, in our faith.

I understand that it’s difficult to express concerns with a person who may not accept criticism very well but that’s what the aforementioned verses are for. Also, the person you are expressing a concern with may just need some extra time to process the criticism and think it through. I know when I first started college, I was the same way with my art. I didn’t normally agree with the one giving the criticism but after meditating on it I saw the flaws in my art and began to work on improvements.

With that being said, I believe that we just need to sit down and talk. Not argue. Not hurl insults. Talk. Talk in a calm, loving manner with clear-minds and understanding. If we don’t, then I believe we are only hurting the Body of Christ and hindering it from accomplishing some amazing things within the ministry and outside our church walls.

I’ll close with this, I began reading Vintage Church by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears this morning. I don’t normally read the “Preface” of books because to be quite honest, the only time I’ve seen them were in school text-books and they bored me. However, this Preface had something that hit home: “If we are humble, we can learn from those with whom we disagree. If we are discerning, we will not agree with everything or everyone but rather ultimately submit everything to Scripture and ‘test everything; hold fast [to] what is good.’” (Driscoll). Yes, I did just cite it MLA style; you can thank my english professor for that one. I digress, the entire book is about becoming a more Christ-focused church. Now, I’m not saying we need to read a book by Mark Driscoll but we do need to read the Bible and follow the best we can if are to glorify God and accomplish great things for His Kingdom.

With that, I challenge those reading this to be humble. God’s been hitting me hard with that as of late and I think it’s very key to being a Christian. Let’s focus on Christ. Work our concerns out. Love one another.

19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age.”

In Christ,

Logan

Work Cited:

- Driscoll, Mark, and Gerry Breshears. Vintage Church. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009. Print. -

2009
10/15
CATEGORY
Youth Ministry
1 comment

We Have Nothing To Fear

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks now, what with the new quarter classes starting up and whatnot. It’s eerie at how these classes are forcing us to realize that we are soon going to be out in the “real world” and no longer college students. It’s exciting and yet at the same time, scary.

I sometimes wonder if I truly have what it takes to survive in this world. I sometimes wonder if my art is good enough to get me clients. Sometimes, the fear is just so overwhelming that I just want to quit and settle for a job somewhere else. Then I hear a voice that says, “do hard things“.

Now for some of you reading, this just set off a mental flag and yes, I am indeed referring to the book by the Harris brothers titled Do Hard Things. This has definitely been one of the most challenging and inspiring books I have read next to Ministry Mutiny. But in Do Hard Things it talks about we, teenagers and older, allow fear to hold us back from our true potential and allow it to keep us from accomplishing some truly remarkable feats. I love the quote they had in the book from their father, “True courage is not the absence of fear. It is refusing to allow fear to control your actions.“

All too often, when something is too hard for us, we just give up. But what does that say really? We want something that will give us instant satisfaction? We want to have the automatic feeling that says, “Hey, I rock!”? Well, truth be told, we can have the latter but it requires work. I didn’t become a great designer overnight; it took years of trial & error and a few years of college. I’m nowhere near perfect as of now but I have come a long way since my roots.

How long will we allow fear to hold us back of accomplishing what God has planned for us to do? We shouldn’t be afraid to do hard things and failing; we should be afraid of not doing them at all and wondering how our lives would be. If I let the fear of failing keep me from doing art and being a youth leader, I would be one sheltered and hollow person.

So let me ask, are you allowing fear to control your life? Or are you telling fear to take a hike and trying new, challenging, exciting things to learn, grow and mature? Start living fearless and start living the adventurous life God has planned for you. Christians are not called to be complacent; we are called to be Christ Followers.

Start living.

2009
10/06
CATEGORY
Youth Ministry
Write comment

An Idea of a Youth Leader

Ever since I started attending the youth group at my church, to be truthful, I didn’t care too much about it; I just wanted to play video games and get through school. As my church grew, a new youth leader was brought there that challenged the youth group. I personally learned a lot from him not just about being a Christian but about being a youth leader.

While sifting through different colleges, I knew deep down I wanted to be a youth leader. I looked up to my youth pastor and wanted to do what he did every week for us youth. I went to Greenville College on a campus visit and talked with a man who had been a youth pastor for, if I recall correctly, over 20 years. I remember him asking me, “Are you sure this is where you feel called?”

Ever since then, I’ve been active in my church’s youth group and am now a youth leader to the high school. I’ve learned a lot of things about youth ministry in the past few months about being a youth leader and things inside the youth ministry. I’ve decided to share these things with you, whoever you are.

  • Focus: If you want to be a youth leader, you have to remain focused on Christ. You have to constantly ask yourself, “How can I teach these students in a way that glorifies and points to Christ?” Now, that can range from sharing parts of your past to having open discussion nights on topics.
  • Patience: This one God has really been teaching me in the past few weeks. One thing about youth ministry that you have to keep in mind is this: not every youth member is going to care. It’s a difficult pill to swallow but if not swallowed, you will continue to choke and struggle to force the youth to care and not allow God to work in their lives. As a leader, it’s your job to present the Gospel to them and allow the Holy Spirit to change their lives radically. The moment you allow God to work in the youth ministry you are a part of is the moment you begin to see change.
  • Watchfulness: As a youth leader, there is a tremendous weight put on your shoulders. With that, people, parents especially, are going to watch your every move. Yes, you will slip up but learn from those mistakes and do better. Watch what you say and how you say things to the students; something that may sound okay to you may not be taken well with them.
  • Prayer: Prayer is an important part of a Christian’s walk. It strengthen’s relationships and brings about accountability among friends. Knowing that a friend cares enough to pray for you is inspiring. Encourage your youth to pray for one another and also, as a youth leader, pray over your youth group.
  • Hospitality/Fellowship: Don’t be afraid to hang out with your youth group. Growing up in a youth group, anytime I got to hang out with my youth pastor was a time of playing video games but also a time to ask questions about anything I was dealing with. A lot of times, youth are afraid to ask questions in front of everyone and when you spend time with them, they ask questions about their faith that they’re struggling with; it’s a great time for maturing and prayer.

These are just a few things I’ve learned growing up and from being a youth leader. There are so many more things I could have put in here and there are so many more things I have yet to learn but I pray this reaches out to a youth leader or a student in a youth group who wants to be a youth leader but has questions. One more important thing about being a youth leader: never give up on them. While some may not seem to care or pay attention, don’t give up on them. Chances are, the world has given up on them already. By not giving up on them and believing in them and working with them in their walks with Christ, they begin to see that there are people who care.

I hope this helps in some way. Youth ministry is a difficult and stressful ministry but it is so worth seeing teens maturing in Christ, learning and maybe even some day, becoming youth pastors. The youth have so much potential; they just need someone to encourage them that they can do so much more than this world says they can.

-Corporal

2009
09/29
CATEGORY
Youth Ministry
TAGS

Write comment

Sunday of Weird

Today has been so weird.

It all started when I got a text from a number I didn’t recognize. I read the text and saw who it was; my ex. The same ex who hurt me the most and left me completely torn. She was dealing with some stuff and needed someone to talk to and me being the nice guy I am didn’t want to be a jerk and turn her away. So, we hung out and talked and I did what I do best: make people laugh. But the question remains: why me?

She could have went to her mom or her sister or any one of her friends but she came to me? …something just…isn’t adding up to me. An entire year since we broke up and utterly destroying that bridge, she wanted to talk to me? I just…don’t understand. And I’m asking myself, “Did I do the right thing? Was it a bad idea to allow myself to talk to her?” I…really don’t know.

————————-

Then youth; I got hit hard.

We’re touching on the subject of alcohol and drugs tonight and what the Bible says about them and we had more of an open discussion night than a lesson per se. Throughout the entire thing, it made me think of a sibling of mine who whenever I’m around them, they always have a form of alcohol in their hand. I’ll never forget the Christmas I saw the sibling of mine act like a total idiot and be two seconds away from dancing on the bar table in a relative’s garage.

It made me think of all the times that just really hurt me and I felt I should say something but…then I looked around the room. A group or two of the youth weren’t paying attention. Would it really matter? …I decided to stay quiet.

I left early tonight because emotion was just swirling within me like a raging hurricane and I felt as if I were on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I drove around town for a bit to just clear my head. I came home and my parents asked if I was alright ((no idea how they always know when something’s wrong)) and I…choked. I don’t like letting anyone see me cry, especially when I’m trying to talk because then it’s awkward for me and whomever is around me.

I’m thankful that God gave me such an amazing Christ-like grandmother that I can talk to and understands what I’m going through. After a short talk, I realized something: I’m trying to do God’s work for Him.

What right do I have to determine who hears something that may help them in their walk? Yeah, some of the youth probably won’t care and listen but even if one takes something from it, it’s worth it. I care about that group of teens so much that I’m afraid it may end up killing me someday. I desire for them to grow so firm and strong in their faith so that they can go out in the world and not be afraid to let people know that they follow Christ and aren’t afraid to talk about their faith to someone. I desire for them to not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of their minds and to discern what God’s will is (Romans 12:2).

It’s hard for me to understand that not all of the youth members are going to take this seriously right now but later on down the road, who knows? They may wake up one morning and remember something they heard from youth group and say, “Dang. I need a change.”

I realized I can’t just give up because a few youth members don’t want to pay attention because God doesn’t give up on them so easily. Do I think I’m cut out for youth ministry? I doubt God would have given me this passion if I were meant for something else. I have a lot more to learn, not only about youth ministry but about myself as a Christian leader.

Will it be easy? Definitely not but I won’t let that fear keep me from doing what I feel God has called me to do.

2009
09/28
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
Write comment

Patience

Patience. It’s probably one of the most hardest things anyone can learn in today’s society. If you don’t believe me, look at the amount of credit cards people use; coming from a retail background, I’ve seen a lot of plastic cards. A lot of the time, our impatience leads to some bad repercussions whether it be debt, speeding tickets or worse, broken emotions.

I’m having a difficult time being patient. It’s been one year since I decided to completely give up on dating after dealing with stuff that I really don’t wish on anyone. Since then, I’ve focused more on Christ and said whenever He decides to bring that one woman into my life that I will marry will be fine, I don’t mind waiting. Lately though, it’s been getting difficult to keep my patience up.

I’m not saying I made some stupid decisions; I may be impatient but I’m not about to sacrifice the morals I’ve, by the grace of God, managed to get back together in the past year.

What am I saying, more like asking is: When God? When will I meet her?

I know that a good majority of my friends and family think I’m being a idiot right now and think I should focus on school and work for now and then worry about that stuff later. I’m graduating in 20 weeks. One of my professors taught me to balance a heavy workload and life.

Even as much as I want to meet her right now, the thing is, I’m not ready.

It’s been a year and I’ve matured a lot and I am not the same guy I was last year. Well, I’m still pretty carefree and a joker but the main thing is: fear. I made a promise both to God and me that I would never rush into a relationship nor would I ever hurt a woman again through disrespect, jealousy and everything else I’m against.

Am I saying I would do those things? No. Am I saying I’m afraid of those happening? Yes.

A part of me is convinced to just never put myself into a situation where I could hurt someone like that. But a part of me is telling me that I’m not that guy anymore and that I deserve some happiness.

Truth is, if God calls me to a marriage with that perfect girl, I plan on stepping up and manning up. If God calls me to remain single, I’m fine with that.

Guess I’ll just have to wait.

“Love is patient. Love is kind.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4a

2009
09/26
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
1 comment

Busy, Busy, Bu–hold up

Finals week is here yet again and as usual, things are hectic! From an irresponsible professor nearly failing me to all-nighters, it’s finally coming to end; the college bit anyways. I will say, I do enjoy the challenges that come from a heavy workload and the amount of satisfaction that you get after completing everything.

God’s shown me quite a bit in this past week, mainly dealing with youth ministry. I think God is testing me right now to really ask myself, “Can I truly commit to this?” Truth is, I don’t know how my youth pastor stuck with it for so long. From talking to students who basically disregard everything you teach them to talking to students who want to know more, it’s stressful!

But you know what else it is? Totally worth it.

It’s so amazing seeing teens, especially in today’s day & age, wanting to know more about God and the Bible. It’s so amazing to see them want to take on more responsibility and break through the low expectations today’s society labels upon them. I had the privilege of leading the high school guys class this past Sunday where we delved into the expectations this society lays upon them and how they are called to be men, not boys. I could tell the majority of them were evaluating themselves and possibly even asking God, “What areas do I need work in?”

To know that I am a part of that, not the cause but a witness, is just…awesome.

But in preparing for that lesson and after giving it, it’s really forced me to contemplate if I’m striving or am that Christ-like man I talked about. To be honest, I would like to say yes but I’m not there yet; I have a lot more learning and maturing to do. Although I will admit, I have come a long way since high school and learned a lot in just a short amount of time.

And God taught me something new about youth ministry: when to be tough. I was talking to a youth who, honestly has made some dumb choices and keeps saying he wants to change but never quit goes through with it so it’s hard to say if he’s truly sincere. He asked me what he should do and I definitely told him… it’s tough having to be disciplinary like that. On the plus though, I really think he’s looking more to Christ than before… only time will tell but I won’t doubt God’s power to change people through the Holy Spirit nor will I give up on the youth student, even when it seems everyone else has.

I also got the Bible commentaries I had ordered in and they’re pretty thick books! Definitely going to be cranking out some Bible study with those! Which reminds me, those of you who are reading this, could you please pray for the youth in general? We’re in the process of trying to get a night where the youth meet and just dive into the Bible and really dig deep to learn what verses mean and ask questions as to how it relates to their lives. I’m really excited for it and can’t wait for it to get off the ground!

I could carry on and on in this blog but I feel I’ve said enough for today! With that, everyone take care and have a great week/weekend!

- Logie Bear

2009
09/23
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
Write comment

Challenge

Today is the big day; the day I talk to the high school youth guys about what being a Christ-like guy really looks like. To be truthful, I could speak on this topic and have discussions for probably a week on this topic. I narrowed down to what I think will probably be a 45 minute lesson. I just finished rehearsing it and I just… my heart feels so heavy. I really care about the youth at my church, in part because it’s opened me up to God that it’s radically changed my life in such a short amount of time and I know God can truly work in these kid’s lives. I just don’t want to see them make the same mistakes I did because facing these nightmares is not fun.

I’m worried though. Worried I’ll say the wrong thing or present Scripture in the wrong way that they just won’t get it… or that they just don’t even care. Which, I can’t force people to change their way of thinking but I can just present them with the Truth and pray they get something from it and it sparks something in their mind that says, “I need to study this further.”

I don’t really know where God is calling me right now; I thought it was art but now I feel the fire burning so strong for youth ministry. Thing is, if I choose youth ministry, if I choose to follow this fire, I need to be better equipped. What I mean by that is, I need to go to seminary. If I’m going to be a youth minister, I’m going to be trained for it and not just jump into the position without knowing what I’m in for. I really want to be there for these kids because I know they have the potential to be such great leaders not just in our church but out in the world, even at their young age.

I pray that God just works tonight in such a powerful way that these guys are shaken to their core and respect women more than what the world does.

This is the challenge before me.

2009
09/20
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
Write comment

The Lion & The Girl

Stop the presses! Turn off your televisions! …okay, keep the loud music on.

I’ve surprised myself tonight, er, yesterday. I flat-out just told this girl who I had been talking to for quite some time and have known even longer that I have feelings for her. Why is this such a big deal?

Because in my last relationship, I was cheated on 3-4 different occasions. Needless to say, it completely destroyed my trust in people and I secluded myself, not letting anyone in, including God. I became this very egotistical, arrogant, cocky loser whom, looking back on, is surprised at how my friends still put up with me. I was also very bitter and angry at pretty much the world. However, a few really hard hitting spots in my life woke me up and I heard God saying, “Look, this isn’t what I have planned for you. You are meant to live for so much more. So stop the pity party and let’s take a walk.” Ever since then, I’ve felt God slowly chipping away at the iron I had forged over my heart and now, in this completely random act of expression…I’m opening up once again.

To be honest, I don’t care if I get hurt. Ok, that’s a lie, I do care to a degree because these kinds of things either make or break a friendship. But I’m excited at the same time because this is a step in the right direction. Instead of me being stuck in the past and allowing it to consume me and hinder me from the future, I’m pressing on knowing what lies ahead is so much more than an 8-foot ceiling and a 4×4 room.

Will this end well? I honestly don’t know. There are several factors in the way of this and I completely understand a rejection. However, where there is failure, there is victory. That said, even if I’m rejected, I’m finally falling apart to let who I am be shown.

2009
07/08
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
Write comment

Life as a Designer

Starting this off, I’ll talk about what makes me enjoy my profession.

I am currently in college for my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Ever since I could hold a crayon, I’ve always wanted to draw, color and create. As I grew older, I wanted to improve my style and create great art. In high school, my skills as an artist exploded and I began creating art like crazy. I was even voted “Most Creative” of my graduating class. Before I graduated, I came to a crossroads of my life: which college/career do I pursue? I could have went to a Christian college and pursued my passion of ministry and become a pastor or I could go to a nearby college, ranked highly in the state, and be an artist.

This was one of the hardest decisions of my life.

I chose to pursue art and haven’t looked back since. Ever since then, I’ve learned graphic design is more than just creating a cool picture. So many things factor into what makes a photo, design, drawing, etc. great. First learning this, I was overwhelmed and became very unsure of if I could even make it as a designer. However, thanks to my very helpful instructors, I’ve become confident in my future as an artist/designer. This gift of art was not the result of some natural selection or some random choosing; God put these skills in me to make great art to glorify Him and have a positive influence.

In choosing my art college, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to use this for some sort of ministry but what’s amazing about how God works is the fact that He does and in ways and times that side-wind you. I’ve become my church’s unofficial graphic designer and it’s truly amazing. I feel like I’m definitely following down God’s path for my life and it’s so amazing to watch it unfold.

Which is why the name of my design company is so fitting; it mixes my art with my faith. I love design. I love color schemes. I love typography. I don’t think I can see myself doing anything else.

There will be some deep posts later on concerning theology, life, relationships, art and other things that randomly pop up. Until then, enjoy!

In Christ,

Sixth Roman

2009
06/30
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
Write comment

Xbox 360 GamerTag

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.