A Different Kind of Thinking and Living

I just met with a student this morning who is a delight to be around. He knows what it is like to be without Christ and then to have a personal relationship with Him. Even though he is new to the area--already he is attending church and community outreaches and discipling a good Christian high school senior. Not bad for moving here less than a month ago.

Youth ministry to a person who has seen the other side isn't about games and hanging out. In fact, I sometimes get really tired of hearing the idea that working with youth is about crazy activities and eating food. I usually laugh it off--because it is no big deal--but a person who really has been changed by Christ understands about a life that is worth living and there isn't any other major in college that comes even close by comparison. That's no put down of other areas of study--but how many of them really end up relating to eternity? We'll let God do the math on that one...

I benefit from rubbing shoulders with young adults who want to see people changed by Christ like they have been changed by Jesus. And here is the irony: even though I am the "professor" for youth ministry with CE National and Grace College, these passionate collegians impact my spiritual walk in a way that is profound, immense and appreciated.