I recently met with nine of our incoming seniors to see what they wanted to do as the student leaders of the youth ministry this year.  I was very pleased that they all decided to take an active leadership roll in the program.  They not only want to help lead the younger kids in their small groups, they also want to raise awareness and money to help kids in our community and in the world.  For example, when asked if they wanted to adopt a family in need again for Christmas, their response was, let's adopt two. 

You've heard it said that you make time for what is important to you, and it is true if you think about it.  These seniors have made a commitment to step it up a level this year in order to take our youth ministry to a new level.

My prayer is that our younger youth and their parents will also make that same commitment.  I know how busy everyone is, but quite honestly, can we really allow ourselves to put our spiritual lives on the backburner and be involved only if "we've gotten everything else done".  I mean what would have happened to the Faith if everyone had that philosophy.  I know I'm on my soapbox, but that's what a blog is isn't it?  I hope parents and youth alike will wake up this year and make a solid commitment to grow spiritually.  I want to ask you all a question that I asked the youth group last Sunday night.  Put your current walk with Jesus on a scale of one to ten with one being totally disconnected from God and ten being totally connected and on fire for Him.  Be honest with yourself.  Now, what is one thing you can do in the next 6 to 9 weeks that will help you move up one point on the scale?

That might seem cheesy to some of you, but if we don't consider our spiritual lives every once in a while, we often find ourselves off track in that area. 

I personally believe that the Youth ministry of our church offers teens a place where they will be challenged to make the Faith their own, grow in that faith, and have a blast at the same time.  But in order for that to happen, they have to be there.  Parents, I challenge you to make sure they get there on Sunday nights.  I know it is an inconvenience to drive all the way downtown to drop them off and pick them up, but please consider what they will gain through the process.  It is an investment that will reap eternal dividends, and nothing else they are involved in can make that claim. 

I hope to see you Sunday.