recent musings -

curly hair is easy to fashion, but not easy care...

give someone a trumpet and they will play it for a day. teach someone how to play a trumpet and you'll wonder how to shut them up.



I rocked on down to Ngaruawahia last weekend for the BYM Youth Leaders retreat. Whilst aspects of it were average, there were a few things that stuck out for me.

One of them was the main speaker, Lloyd Martin. He has the great position of observing and being hugely involved in youth ministry and youth work in every aspect in New Zealand. After some great encouragement for Baptist youth work in the country, one thing that I really had to think deeply about was this this of "BEING" over "DOING". After studying for three years, the way I've become wired is to focus on the doing - the studies, the teaching, the focus on the Word, which is a good thing, but not the only thing. This being, the way I live, the way I operate and project what I believe to the world, is the thing what young people/youth will remember the most. The way I represent Christ to them is what they will remember when they think of what it means to be a Christian. This was like being hit by a 4x2. Nice huh?

The other point which I thought was great was listening in to Duane Major and the Spreydon Crew on youth work in schools. Wicked stuff. In the last year I have been contemplating doing youth work in the community rather than from a church base. Getting involved (hence the BEING). I was pretty inspired with what Duane and the crew had to say, just really confirmed what I've been working through for the last 12 months. I had a chat to Duane and he was really listening. He was quite supportive of the ideas I have for my life when it comes to youth work. I'm not revealing too much, but if you know me, you'll know what I'm thinking. Awesome huh? great confirmation.

So anyway, that was BYM. Some pitch and putt was played with the guys from church, with Big Brian Cochran winning the youth leaders tournament (all 6 of us that played).

Preaching next Sunday night. All are welcome.