This week has been pretty great so far!

On Tuesday, I had a meeting after school for some of my students to come and start planning the Spring Retreat... and so since that meeting, I've been working on taking their ideas and thinking of how we can make them come in to fruition. Alex even came to the meeting to hangout, which meant a lot to me, because he definitely didn't have to.

I don't know how much I've shared about this retreat, but basically, in the past they've had a guy and a girl in my job position, and so they've done guys and girls retreats. Well there's only one of me, and I am not a guy... plus I wanted it to be a little bigger than just a small group retreat. Sooo the first weekend in March, we're going to a camp about 45 minutes away, and my favorites, the Seth Medley Band will be leading worship, and our friend Ryan Warren is coming in from Texas to preach. I just know this retreat has SO MUCH potential. I'm praying its the catalyst for life change among the student ministry here at my church. Right now we're looking at taking about 40-50 people... I'm hoping we'll have over 50 though! That would be awesome! I'm also excited about getting to minister with some of my best friends!

There's lots to do though before March, so be praying for me and for my students. It's going to be an incredible weekend!

Then last night, we had our typical Wednesday night youth service. The guy that leads our band has been trying really hard to get our band ministry up and going. He's enlisted the help of some college students to play whenever they can, and then some of the non-musical college students have come just to be present, and worship with our students. Its been great. Seth stopped by, and ended up playing piano with our band at the last minute, and our friend Sam was there playing electric guitar. It was a lot of fun. Between Seth and Sam playing in the band, and looking around the room at all our faithful volunteers, I was overwhelmed with the blessing these people are in my life as we minister to students.

Everyone knows the least favorite part of a youth minister's job is coming up with games every week. I hate it. The students usually hate the game too. It's just not fun. Two weeks ago, I made the suggestion that instead of doing 30 minutes of a game at the beginning, that instead we start the music and message first, and the last 30 minutes are spent in discussion groups (D-Groups). As I've walked around checking on groups, its been incredible to see and hear what's going on in the groups. Our group has so many different schools represented, and D-groups give them the chance to talk about the lesson and ask questions, and find ways to apply Scripture to their lives. It's great to see. I'm praying it's building community and spiritual growth.

I also formed an impromptu hip hop group with some of my volunteers and students. We were rapping fools. My boss is working on getting our video posted on our website, so I'll be sure to share it with you soon. I know you can't wait!

For once, while home was getting lots of snow, I was grateful we had decent weather. I look forward to Wednesdays. It makes the desk hours in the office so worth it!

What's your favorite part of the ministries you're serving in?