Report #1

My first week of summer teams was Great! Our team helped out with VBS at Evangelical Friends Church in St. Clairesville. Each day of the week From 8:30 am to about9:30 am I first helped lead motions for the worship songs infront of about 300 young kids. From there I broke off with the 5th and 6th graders and helped them with their devotionals and do volunteer work.

On Monday we had a devotional and and went right into a game and snack time. It was great helping the kids understand the devotionals and getting some energy out with them. When playing the games I was placed in charge of some of the teams involved. It was very fun being able to help everyone kid out there feel involved and like a winner even though their team may have not technically won. These activities ended at 12:30 pm, thats when the kids went home for the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday we made trips to two different retirement homes. After I led the kids through the worship motions in the morning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am we gathered the 5th and 6th graders and headed out to the retirement home. Each day we visited a different home. Our mission was to visit the elderly in their rooms and just simply care. I led a group door to door teaching them to get involved with the conversations. It was great to see the elderly people get so blessed from our visits. That lasted until 12:30 pm.

Thursday and Friday we returned to the retirement homes and sangs songs to the people. Each day we returned to the individual places with had already been to. After I led the motions to the worship from 8:30 am to 9:30 am we headed out to the homes. This time I helped lead the kids through some songs they had been working on all week. After singing I helped kids get out and talk with those we sung to. The elderly really showed a lot of appreciation for our visit through songs and conversation! It was great to bless them in such a way. These trips also ended by 12:30 pm.

Hours:

Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 12:30 am

Personal Reflection:

I thought it was a little different being with the kids for only half the day. It would have been way better to be with them for the majority of the day in order to build stronger relationships with them and get more one on one time with them. It was really cool how the class for the 5th and 6th graders was stretching the kids outside their comfort zones. It was great to help the kids see ways to help out others through simple visits. They learned how to shine Christ through their actions. I felt that their way not much time for the kids to talk or discuss any spiritual things though. It might have been better for them if they would have been able to discuss bible stories a little more than what they got to. The kids seemed to really be attached to me by the end of the week, making me feel like I had really made an impact on them. It was great to be able to lead and teach like I did through my actions and example. The majority of my ministry this week for VBS was through my actions and example. This weeks ministry really helped me see, all the more, how strong leading by example can be. Through out the summer I will be able to remember how I worked with kids through my example and will be able to apply that to other camps.

Spiritual Reflection:

To be honest, my spiritual life was strong throughout this past week but I did have a struggle at one point with alone time. As I hung out with kids and VBS hours did team requirements with the team and was with those inviting the team to their house I found myself with a heaviness over me from lack of alone time with the Lord. I ended telling the team about the problem, got prayer over me and had a very refreshing, refilling time alone with God. Other than that it was very refreshing the be with young kids that are so innocent and willing to learn about the Lord. It was a great experience for me to see how much of sharing my faith can easily be through actions. I am traveling with an amazing team that does devotionals together and talks about the scriptures and prays together constantly so I have been so lifted up this week.

This week of ministry has been very fun and meaningful.



Youth Pastor Interview: with Josh Nichols

1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?

11 years

2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?

I hired a female so it's not that difficult. I always keep a female youth worker with me. It's ok to talk with the opposite sex in busy areas, as long as your not alone with them.

3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?

Knowing how to deal with kids that have grown up in the church, those that claim Christianity yet not living it out. It is hard to have patience with them.

4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?

Seeing kids that are really commiting to Christ and living it out to the fullest.

5.) What do you find the best way to help teenagers grasp a message is?

Sticking to Biblical truth. Giving them something to chew on. Worshiping through song. There is that specific time to be serious and dive into the word.

6.) What is your greatest success?

Good success is seen when kids show up. If kids show up then we can share the gospel with them.

7.) What is your greatest failure?

Anytime my own pride - selfishness gets in the way and distracts the message.

Good Quote:
"If you want to have a big youth ministry get adult leaders that have a heart for youth ministry."