Influence Counts!

The most influential Christians in my life have always been the people who seemed to be close, personal friends of God.
(Ben Ortlip, Extreme Makeover-Church edition.)
read the entire article here. (approx 3 minutes on dial-up, under a minute on anything faster)

Hey small group leaders…I wanted to write something this week to take the pressure off of you. Too many times in youth ministry I have found myself worried about the wrong things. What I wear, what I say, growing a goatee (which I couldn’t do to save my life). Pursuing those things is like chasing after the wind. (Experts are saying now that student culture re-invents itself every 2 years) When I read the quote above, I thought about this thing called “student ministry” that we are in together. Isn’t it really about influencing these students? Trying to provide some “Christ Centered” guidance and insight at a critical time in their life. I agree with Ben’s quote from this article (I talk about him like I know him). The people who have been the greatest influence on me were people who loved God deeply. Period. That lasts. The other stuff is fine. I think it’s great if you can grow a goatee (except the ladies…that’s weird). Heck a goatee may even help you connect on some weird shaving/non-shaving level with a student…but these kids want to see that there are adults who actually love Jesus and are acting on it…not just talking about it. Please don’t feel like there is pressure from us to become something you are not. We simply desire for you to influence students by falling in love with Jesus. The rest (combined with some time and shared experiences) will take care of itself.

Have a great day.
Scott

Question for you: How are you doing with YOUR “connection” with God? Check out the “self evaluation” link over there on the right. It’s always there. A handy self assesment tool for you to "take the temperature" of your relationship with God.

Small group questions for Summit and Impact HERE.
Small group questions for Club 56 HERE.