I spent my time this weekend in School of all places. And oddly enough I thought it was not only productive but actually enjoyable! It's odd to my that now that I can actually see the end of my schooling days (spring of '05) I find myself enjoying it more then I ever have in my life.

Before class we were required to read Now, Discover your Strengths, an interesting book that essentially says we should focus on our strengths instead of always trying to fix our imperfections. Andy Stanley talks about this same idea in Next Generation Leader (a must read by the way), but this book fleshes it out more and gives you tools to identify your strengths. The concept is good and something I’m going to try and work harder at implementing in my life.

Most of the class however was focused developing our personal calling statement. This is a three part process that combines your Biblical purpose Statement, your core Values and Your personal Vision Statement. I absolutely loved this process because it allowed me to really sort through where I’m headed. My position with the association ends in December so I have to decide what I’m going to do when I’m done. This class coupled with a conversation I had with my new boss last week have really brought a lot of clarity to my direction, but the details are still well . . . yet to be resolved.

The long and short of it is I feel like God is calling me back to the local church, but has still given me heart to help other Youth Ministers. Soo this is what I have so far.

My Personal Calling Statement

Biblical Purpose Statement
I exist to bring God Glory; by being a man who places obedience to Christ and a love for others over my own desires.


Vision Statement
I see a day when God’s call in my life will bring about . . .

. . . my passion for Christ overflowing into the lives of 6-8 people in discipling relationships; which produce passionate Christ following disciples. I see relationships with lost people, established through involvement in community sports, which produce new believers.

. . . a student ministry where adult and student leaders equip futures leaders to do the work of the ministry.

. . . networks of Youth ministers across the Puget Sound, that work together to reach students and encourage one another.

. . . a seminary degree, that has given me a love of learning and a continued desire for growth.

. . . a wife whom I minister along side of and children which we raise to passionately seek after Christ.