On top of all this mission trip stuff, I've been accepted on a team with CBOQ to write curriculum for the 2010/2011 school year. They do this every year, and churches/youth leaders can purchase it to help them with their planning. So, I am TOTALLY stoked for this opportunity, as this is what I feel I could do in ministry, since I don't want to be a pastor or youth pastor...therefore, I can't wait to see what God shows me through the planning and preparation stages, as well as what I will be able to accomplish to help youth leaders/pastors to connect with their kids by making the curriculum. The topic for next year is "active and contagious faith" -- which I think is absolutely something youth need to learn about (as I wish I learned about it in high school!)
Lastly, this past Sunday, my pastor asked me to speak on the topic of "Serving", based on a discussion we had at one point (I don't remember when). I thought some of you might be interested to see what I said, so here it is:
"I've been a Christian for many years now...I grew up in the church, was baptized in grade 8, and have been heavily involved in all things church-related. But as I look back, I realize that my mindset and approach to church was not all that 'Christ-like'. Just over a year ago, I had a change of character [and of heart]. Without getting too deep and taking hours to tell you my story, I want to briefly tell you about this change and how it has brought many blessings in my life.
I used to come to church and youth group expecting to be served. I wanted a band who played like a concert; I wanted fun games and memories for my teenage years; and a short message that wouldn't make me feel too bad about myself (of course, at the time I didn't realize this was my mindset).
Needless to say, as I look back at the past 2 years, and have entered into two new churches, while not knowing anyone or anything about the churches, I can see how my mindset has changed dramatically. Instead of looking to be served, I look for ways that I can serve using the gifts God has given me, as well as being open to opportunities to be challenged and to grow in my faith. Even just stepping into an unknown church was probably one of the most gut-wrenching feelings, but I was looking for a place where I could serve, so I knew God was with me. Those experiences, as well as a few others, encourages me to embrace the fact that living a faithful life isn't always about doing what feels safe and comfortable but about stepping out, and seeing what God will challenge me with next. I have seen this in so many ways as I seek to serve him.
This new mindset doesn't make me feel like serving is something I have to do. Rather, serving has become something I want to do and actively seek out. Not only have I seen a difference in my approach to serving within a church setting, but have also seen it outside the church. I want to do more for my friends, for my family, and even for strangers. Christ calls us to minister to others and the littlest thing can make a difference, not only for them but also for you and your faith journey.
To sum this up, I see serving as a way to show others the love that Christ has for us and especially for them, by focusing my attention on other people's needs and putting those first before mine. Serving comes in many shapes and sizes, but I would like to challenge you all to step out of your comfort zone, because I believe God will make that step-out into a blessing and will change your comfort zone to accommodate your step of faith, as He ahs done numerous times in my own journey."
Definitely looks longer when in writing - hope you were okay reading that! Thanks for coping through my long posts!
I didn't know you were speaking in church... that was amazing! Good for you! It's really cool to look back and see what God has taken us through.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can't wait to hear how your dinner goes. I wish I could be there. Maybe someday I'll live in ontario and we can share these memories together!! <3 love