I thought I would take a moment to let my blog speak for me about what a day in the life of the Next Gen pastor looks like.I was going over my day oh about the past few minutes and thought I would write it out—sometimes even I can get lost in what it is I do.
So—today was a typical day to a degree.I got up took care of all the hygiene issues, took the dog out and headed into work down good ole construction laden I-75 which was absolutely packed this morning.
While I was driving I called my assistant Jane and left a message.Called Kevin’s cell phone which is not good because the reception on campus @ Fairhaven is brutal—so we didn’t connect.I tried both again and found them in Kevin’s office via the receptionist—and talked with Jane about some good news for her and then to Kevin about good news for the total budget for the remainder of the year.Great opener before even getting into the office.
By the time I was in—the day was rolling along.Met with Kevin, Dave and Jane over lunch and talked about several areas of the Next Gen ministry.Sr. High, Middle School and then where we may launch the College Ministry and when.During lunch I got a call from Glen in order to meet with all the tech guys so that we could all get on the same page for the upcoming usage of the worship center for Sept. 13 uprising.Great meeting with staff—nothing better than good team work, and honest interaction in order to accomplish total church movement together.
By the time all that was done—it was 2:30 and I needed to put the finishing touches on the Sunday a.m. talk for the Sr. High.As I cracked open the Scriptures to engage—my thoughts and the direction of where I was headed for Sunday mornings I was reminded of my total dependence on material from the Scriptures.I was reminded on how much fun I have writing and developing all of my own stuff to speak and to influence Students.Most don’t know that I actually write and develop my own talks—I don’t get material from others—I actually just think through there where I want to take students—and then build on each talk from the theme that I believe God is showing me through His leading as I spend time and abide in Him. Plus, I am also working in my mind at the same time-- my talks for uprising-- based on my reading and love for the book uprising by McManus. The thing about "uprising" is that yes while I am using McManus's writings for some of my talks-- the talks are developed as I then go to experience, my Biblical interp and how to apply for High School Students.
So the Sunday a.m. is about moving through life by faith as a High School Student. Uprising is about persuing the way of Jesus as the model by which one one purues life. Lots to work with, but much more to work from-- Biblical truth, experience, life!
I worked on the final copy of the talk for Sunday a.m. finishing around 4—and then got the team ready to head to Cedarville for the volunteer student fair with Kevin and Dave.We had a great time as we drove together, met many students and drove back together.
We left Cedarville campus and was back to Fairhaven by 8, which means I was home by 9 p.m.Now that I have been home for a couple of hours my attention has turned to Alex in Australia, Cooper living at mom and dad’s in Dayton and Marcie at home with a pile of things on her mind.We took Harley for a fast walk, got Cooper signed up for some pre hockey season play and sat down to watch that Runway show together.
Yes, day is done, but much is still on my heart and mind.I will take some time to pray, consider and rest. Full dayz of ministry planning and living it are awesome!
