This semester, I got to participate in a lot of things. One night I got to lead a game. It was great experience getting up in front of the kids, I felt like I could be myself. Another night Pastor Tony asked me to pray before he gave his message; this was a stretch for me because I get nervous when I have to talk in front of people. Occasionally after the message, Tony splits up the youth, by grade, into small groups. When this happens I go with the 10th graders and discuss with them the message and pray with them when it is all done.
Every week before youth, Tony has all the adult leaders meet and discuss the layout of the night. Tony has a little half sheet of paper with the outline of the night. I find this very helpful, because I always am wondering what is next. This is definitely something that I am going to hold on to and continue when I am a youth pastor.
Something that really stuck out to me in one of my meetings with Pastor Tony, is what he told me after I told talked to him about a boy in the youth group that I connected with. He told me that relationship and mentoring is what having youth group is all about. He said that when I get a job, and become a youth pastor, I am going to want to train my leaders and student leaders to be open to meet people and befriend them.
Ever since my mid-term evaluation meeting, I have made it a personal effort to learn the students’ names, and step out to meet them. By stepping out to meet them I am saying that I want to know them on a more personal level. I am better at larger group things rather than one-on-one conversations, and that is one area I struggle with, yet when you read through my blogs, you will see many instances where I have improved!
Over all this semester has been a great learning experience for me. I feel that I have accomplished my goal in becoming a friend to the students on a personal level. One thing that I wish I could have had a little more practice in is the area of preaching. There was a time when pastor Tony scheduled me to preach, but it never happened.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Week Ten
Youth Group 3 hours
Personal Reflection:
What a great night! I love being with the kids, it was good to see them again. It has been awhile since we had break. So tonight I got to talk to those two girls that I have been talking about. I got to know a lot about them, and I learned to just be quiet and let then talk. I ask how their Thanksgiving went and what they did. They said with a sigh “we just stayed home, we didn’t go anywhere.” So I tried to add some humor and asked if they cooked the turkey, and my humor was successful, they giggled a little.
After some small talk of finding out a little about their family life and that they do school independently on their own with no supervision. I ask about the message tonight and what they thought, or what did people talk about in their small group (Occasionally we break out into small groups, by grade, after the message to discuss). They didn’t really know what to say… so I briefed on what our small group discussed… I could go into it but I won’t, I just want to say that I have been working on being more personal with students, and tonight I feel that I accomplished something.
Personal Reflection:
You would think that this week I would be super stressed and not be happy because of all the work I have. But that is not how it is… I am happy and cheerful. I have tons of work still to do, specially the exegesis for Dave Smith. Even through all of the work I can still say praise God for the snow and everything. So that is that!!!
Personal Reflection:
What a great night! I love being with the kids, it was good to see them again. It has been awhile since we had break. So tonight I got to talk to those two girls that I have been talking about. I got to know a lot about them, and I learned to just be quiet and let then talk. I ask how their Thanksgiving went and what they did. They said with a sigh “we just stayed home, we didn’t go anywhere.” So I tried to add some humor and asked if they cooked the turkey, and my humor was successful, they giggled a little.
After some small talk of finding out a little about their family life and that they do school independently on their own with no supervision. I ask about the message tonight and what they thought, or what did people talk about in their small group (Occasionally we break out into small groups, by grade, after the message to discuss). They didn’t really know what to say… so I briefed on what our small group discussed… I could go into it but I won’t, I just want to say that I have been working on being more personal with students, and tonight I feel that I accomplished something.
Personal Reflection:
You would think that this week I would be super stressed and not be happy because of all the work I have. But that is not how it is… I am happy and cheerful. I have tons of work still to do, specially the exegesis for Dave Smith. Even through all of the work I can still say praise God for the snow and everything. So that is that!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week Nine
Youth Group 3 hours
Laser Tag 7.5 hours
Personal Reflection:
We this week was a lot of fun! I approached youth with a different spirit, I was excited to hang with the guys and play some basketball, and that is exactly what we did.
When youth started, tony addressed a problem that happened last week. He did not mention who did what, but he did talk about our DNA as a youth group and that we know how we are supposed to act. It was brief and to the point, I liked how he approached it, though I still would have done things different.
The two sisters came again, that is good! I didn’t get to interact with them much, but I am glad that they are coming.
Saturday the youth went to Laser X in Fort Wayne In. It was a blast, there were people all together. I rode in the vane with the middle schooler, which is great because I love middle school. When we got to Fort Wayne, we stopped at a mall for a couple hours to eat and walk around. I really got to know these kids on a more personal level, I even know all there names as well as many others that went.
The next day at church, I got many of those kids coming up to me and saying hi, whether it is by pushing me, running in to me, or just saying “Hi David”.
Spiritual Reflection:
I love life!!! School is winding down and all my hard stuff is almost at an end, I have time to see my fiancé, and I can give more attention to the kids at youth. Relationships bring the joy in me, and I have really lacked them this semester with everything I have going on.
Laser Tag 7.5 hours
Personal Reflection:
We this week was a lot of fun! I approached youth with a different spirit, I was excited to hang with the guys and play some basketball, and that is exactly what we did.
When youth started, tony addressed a problem that happened last week. He did not mention who did what, but he did talk about our DNA as a youth group and that we know how we are supposed to act. It was brief and to the point, I liked how he approached it, though I still would have done things different.
The two sisters came again, that is good! I didn’t get to interact with them much, but I am glad that they are coming.
Saturday the youth went to Laser X in Fort Wayne In. It was a blast, there were people all together. I rode in the vane with the middle schooler, which is great because I love middle school. When we got to Fort Wayne, we stopped at a mall for a couple hours to eat and walk around. I really got to know these kids on a more personal level, I even know all there names as well as many others that went.
The next day at church, I got many of those kids coming up to me and saying hi, whether it is by pushing me, running in to me, or just saying “Hi David”.
Spiritual Reflection:
I love life!!! School is winding down and all my hard stuff is almost at an end, I have time to see my fiancé, and I can give more attention to the kids at youth. Relationships bring the joy in me, and I have really lacked them this semester with everything I have going on.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Week Eight
Youth Group 3 hours
Personal Reflection:
There are these two very quiet girls in the youth, they are sister. They like to sit on their own and not join in with the other group, I think they feel intimidated. Well I try to be with them when I can and get them to participate in the events, well the youth was playing kick ball and so I invited to go play, they were not interested, but I got them to come and watch with me. Things were silent, so I started asking whatever questions I could think of, to get a conversation rolling. We started talking, I got to know a little about there home life and things they like to do. I sort go to asking why they don’t like to participate in the events, and they said that they don’t like to talk to anyone, and that they don’t like friends… … Hmm… what I am to do with that. These are really nice girls and I think they have just got a bad impression on who friends are, and I want them to be able to have other people to talk to; especially other Christian girls. These girls need prayer; I feel that if they do not connect with someone, they will have no one to pour into their life
I played one on one with Seth Turcot, a student in the youth; it was good times, I felt like I was connecting and building a relationship. Later others joined and a game of twenty-one started, what a blast! I got elbowed in the nose… but I am ok… thanks for asking… After Basketball I asked several of the guys if they wanted to join me at IWU for Fat meal because I have plenty of swipe left over that I need to use, but it didn’t work out, maybe next week.
Spiritual Reflection:
I feel like my work load has decreased, I am happier and my brain recognizes that I need to be praying more for this and this. I guess you can say that I become more compassionate and caring when I am not overloaded and stressed with work. I wish it didn’t have to be like that, but I definitely realize how many things I don’t care to give attention when I have stuff on my plate.
Personal Reflection:
There are these two very quiet girls in the youth, they are sister. They like to sit on their own and not join in with the other group, I think they feel intimidated. Well I try to be with them when I can and get them to participate in the events, well the youth was playing kick ball and so I invited to go play, they were not interested, but I got them to come and watch with me. Things were silent, so I started asking whatever questions I could think of, to get a conversation rolling. We started talking, I got to know a little about there home life and things they like to do. I sort go to asking why they don’t like to participate in the events, and they said that they don’t like to talk to anyone, and that they don’t like friends… … Hmm… what I am to do with that. These are really nice girls and I think they have just got a bad impression on who friends are, and I want them to be able to have other people to talk to; especially other Christian girls. These girls need prayer; I feel that if they do not connect with someone, they will have no one to pour into their life
I played one on one with Seth Turcot, a student in the youth; it was good times, I felt like I was connecting and building a relationship. Later others joined and a game of twenty-one started, what a blast! I got elbowed in the nose… but I am ok… thanks for asking… After Basketball I asked several of the guys if they wanted to join me at IWU for Fat meal because I have plenty of swipe left over that I need to use, but it didn’t work out, maybe next week.
Spiritual Reflection:
I feel like my work load has decreased, I am happier and my brain recognizes that I need to be praying more for this and this. I guess you can say that I become more compassionate and caring when I am not overloaded and stressed with work. I wish it didn’t have to be like that, but I definitely realize how many things I don’t care to give attention when I have stuff on my plate.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week Seven
Youth Group 3 Hours
Meeting with tony for mid-term evaluation 1 hour
Personal reflection:
This week was a good week for me, so I went to youth feeling good with a good attitude. I remember from last week that I really want to put time into the students, learn their names, and step out to meet them. So at the start of the night I was running around with the younger guys (because we know that the older guys are too cool to be running around… who knows maybe their baggie pants will fall down) throwing dodge balls at each other. After doing that awhile I saw two girls volleying around a kickball and so I joined them. First I got their names and said “I am David” (why do I always feel so dumb when I say my name?) I wish I could remember all their names but I can’t… I don’t remember anything much more significant about that night besides the end when I got to play twenty-one with some of the older guys… That was lots of fun, I didn’t just go home after youth because I had so much homework… I stuck around, and made more connection through a game of basketball.
Spiritual Reflection:
This week has been a restful relaxing time; I got my work done early so that I could take me fiancé on a date this week end. Our relationship has been distant lately because school has been so overwhelming. It was a great time to spend with her, we went to the Zoo and then to Olive Garden… I would love to talk all about it but this is not the place… I just realized that I have like a ton of meal swiped left (84), so I am getting up for breakfast now and eating. It is nice because for some reason when I get up early on my own consent, I feel good and energized and motivated for the day. Any way I am going to try to keep my consistent devotions in the mornings now, because it is hard for me to stay in the word when I don’t put time aside to do it. And I can’t put time aside unless I have a set time for it…
See you in class
Meeting with tony for mid-term evaluation 1 hour
Personal reflection:
This week was a good week for me, so I went to youth feeling good with a good attitude. I remember from last week that I really want to put time into the students, learn their names, and step out to meet them. So at the start of the night I was running around with the younger guys (because we know that the older guys are too cool to be running around… who knows maybe their baggie pants will fall down) throwing dodge balls at each other. After doing that awhile I saw two girls volleying around a kickball and so I joined them. First I got their names and said “I am David” (why do I always feel so dumb when I say my name?) I wish I could remember all their names but I can’t… I don’t remember anything much more significant about that night besides the end when I got to play twenty-one with some of the older guys… That was lots of fun, I didn’t just go home after youth because I had so much homework… I stuck around, and made more connection through a game of basketball.
Spiritual Reflection:
This week has been a restful relaxing time; I got my work done early so that I could take me fiancé on a date this week end. Our relationship has been distant lately because school has been so overwhelming. It was a great time to spend with her, we went to the Zoo and then to Olive Garden… I would love to talk all about it but this is not the place… I just realized that I have like a ton of meal swiped left (84), so I am getting up for breakfast now and eating. It is nice because for some reason when I get up early on my own consent, I feel good and energized and motivated for the day. Any way I am going to try to keep my consistent devotions in the mornings now, because it is hard for me to stay in the word when I don’t put time aside to do it. And I can’t put time aside unless I have a set time for it…
See you in class
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Week Six
Youth Group 3 hours
Meeting with Tony 1 hour
Personal Reflection:
Tonight was a good time! It was great to see the kids again, I felt like I haven’t seen them in a long time. Before youth I started playing basket ball with a student who was shooting around (really I was just rebounding it for him and throwing it back). A personal goal of mine is to be more personal with the students, so I started asking questions to start up a conversation. It went well I asked if he was on his school basketball team, he laughed and said no I am not good enough to play for school… either way a connection happened between the two of us and I feel good about it. The challenge now is if whether or not I can sustain this connection between us.
Something that I realized that night that really bothers me is that I tend to have one thing on my mind, and everything else gets pushed aside. For instance the was a little girl in the youth that noticed my haircut, and she addressed me saying, “Were you the one with long curly hair”. (it was real cute), but because my mind was on another thing I simply said (very friendly thought) “yes I am” and that was it, I left, didn’t even get her name. But that is not the end of it, after youth when I was talking to some people she came up beside me and tapped me on the head twice with her hat and gave me a smile, and sure enough I just smiled and said “Hey” back.
The thing that bothers me is that I haven’t given this girl the time of day; I don’t even know her name. God could be putting me in her life for whatever reason and I haven’t even given her thought. In the future, whether it’s a boy or a girl, I want to notice their interest and give them interest back and show them Christ’s love.
Spiritual Reflection:
If you would have asked me how I am doing Yesterday, I would tell you tat life and school sucks, but today… only school sucks… I got rest last night and I got things done today which really puts me in a good mood. I got up early went to breakfast with a clear mind and read my bible in Baldwin. It felt so good to be up and rested. Rest alone is a spiritual discipline that I am week in because I don’t manage my time very well.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Week Five
Youth Group 3 hours
Personal Reflection:
Tonight was very exciting because I was scheduled to run the game. In the past Tony didn’t really have games; well he did here and there, and they are fun, but they didn’t involve bringing people up on stage for participation. The games were mostly done from the projector that asked questions and who ever got all the questions won some candy. Back to my game: at one of the meeting with Tony I asked if I could run a game, because in high school, I ran games at my youth group. He explained his view on games and how he doesn’t like making a mess; so I explained a game that was quick and not messy (we will get to that in a minute).
I then told Tony my view on games; in which I believe it is important to bring students up on stage every now-and-then so that others can see and learn a little bit of who they are. For instance the game I chose to do is simple: first I picked three students, who raised their hands, with out telling them what they will be doing. Then I explained to them and audience that they will be given a song that they will have to gargle (with water) into the microphone. I pumped up the audience to be hyped and participate in the guessing of what tune the contestant was gargling. I then sent the contestants to Tyler my helper to give them a song and their cup of water. Now as the first contestant came to start, I got their name, which is one of the most important reasons for games because it familiarizes them to the audience. Also, when they are up their on stage they are being their self and the audience can get to know them indirectly as well.
Spiritual Reflection:
This week has been less stressed, (know that I am writing this after Fall break has happened, but I am referring to a week before break) I have been getting my work done and I started studying for mid-terms a week early. I feel good about them and am super excited that my Church Rituals class is going to be done so my work load is less. God is good.
Personal Reflection:
Tonight was very exciting because I was scheduled to run the game. In the past Tony didn’t really have games; well he did here and there, and they are fun, but they didn’t involve bringing people up on stage for participation. The games were mostly done from the projector that asked questions and who ever got all the questions won some candy. Back to my game: at one of the meeting with Tony I asked if I could run a game, because in high school, I ran games at my youth group. He explained his view on games and how he doesn’t like making a mess; so I explained a game that was quick and not messy (we will get to that in a minute).
I then told Tony my view on games; in which I believe it is important to bring students up on stage every now-and-then so that others can see and learn a little bit of who they are. For instance the game I chose to do is simple: first I picked three students, who raised their hands, with out telling them what they will be doing. Then I explained to them and audience that they will be given a song that they will have to gargle (with water) into the microphone. I pumped up the audience to be hyped and participate in the guessing of what tune the contestant was gargling. I then sent the contestants to Tyler my helper to give them a song and their cup of water. Now as the first contestant came to start, I got their name, which is one of the most important reasons for games because it familiarizes them to the audience. Also, when they are up their on stage they are being their self and the audience can get to know them indirectly as well.
Spiritual Reflection:
This week has been less stressed, (know that I am writing this after Fall break has happened, but I am referring to a week before break) I have been getting my work done and I started studying for mid-terms a week early. I feel good about them and am super excited that my Church Rituals class is going to be done so my work load is less. God is good.
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