I got a phone call from our church today. They needed an "onsite pastor" to attend the youth meeting tonight and just be there. Our youth pastor left a few weeks ago and we are in between pastors at the moment and no one else could be there....
Well, after 14 years away from youth ministry this was a bit of surprise for me and considerable stress for Britt as she was going to be there. When I got home from work, I put on my most "youthy" type clothes - multi colored striped shirt, jeans, and my coolest shoes. After I got there, I discovered that what might be cool for 40 somethings, doesn't cut it with 15-17 year olds. So there I was, looking positively out of place among 130 "happening" kids. Fortunately, the lights were off, the music was loud and most of them were dancing up front so I didn't stick out too badly.
It was a great night! One of they young leaders preached and did a great job. The band was happening and they had a great response to the altar. All in all a lot of fun.
The funniest moment was when a girl came forward for prayer. She had a plugged ear and wanted us to pray. Now you've got to picture this, a band playing at full volume, a drummer really going for it and a bass sub behind us. We pray for her and then ask her if she can hear anything... You would have to be stone deaf, not just have a plugged ear not to hear anything where we were standing. I guess that's one way to ensure a miracle!! :-)
All in all, it was a lot of fun being there. IGNITE is a great program led by people who really care about students and know how to create an atmosphere that allows God to work and move. I told Britt I was going to volunteer for youth staff, but first I'd have to dye my grey hair blonde, get a few piercings and a couple of tattoo's...
4 comments:
I've heard good things about Ignite. I'm sure they didn't think your clothes were that bad. Sometimes it's worse when a 40 year old wears teenager clothes. Was it the shirt with pink in it? That's a great shirt.
It was the shirt with the pink in it. Britt was mortified that I would even wear it, especially when she was there.
Whatever. That shirt is totally awesome.
It's great that everyone knows exactly what shirt Tim is referring to. It's definately a...signature statement? ;o)
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