Can I really ask that.... Can I ask that & What do you think?
As our amazing team of volunteer youth leader work with with our students here at Shepherd of the Hills it has become increasing clear that although student culture and student values are constantly changing the questions that they are asking about faith are not. Do you really believe that? Did Jesus really do that? What about those people, does God really love those people too? Ultimately, I believe that they are are asking. Can I ask that? The questions they asking the leader are honestly about them and for them. They ask “Am I really allowed to doubt”. How big is God’s love and is there room for my faith and my doubt to exist at the same time? Parents call me pretty regularly to let me know that their little Timmy is doubting God and what should they do? It often goes like this their son/daughter comes home from a friends house (whose family practice a different brand Christianity) and so Timmy starts asking Mom and Dad some pretty pointed questions about what you believe (hopefully someday they will believe too) but Timmy’s parents do not feel they have strong answer for these “dangerous questions” you need to talk to Pastor Mike. I love talking and listening to students as they grow into and develop a lasting faith. Timmy’s parents send them to me to “answer their questions”. In reality all I do is to help them make room in their faith for doubts and questions that may never get satisfactory answers. I say I don’t know a lot and often reflect the questions back to student with a playful What do you think? As adults I want you to remember that you also have had seasons of doubt growing up too and still have portions of those doubt with you. Doubt is not a threat to faith. I know too many people feel that if they ever expressed their doubts they would excommunicated from the church of their family. I want to let you know that honest doubt is often a sign post along the path to a much deeper faith. Scripture is full of stories about doubt Look at the Psalm 88, Look at James 1, look at the story of Thomas. All struggled with with questions. Doubt is real but doubt does not always need answers to be satisfied. Doubt often just wants presence. Doubt often just needs to know that they are not alone. People doubting want to know that you are with them and that you still love them even if you do not have the “right theological answer” to the questions they are asking. I remember Mark and Cheryl Eschof who spoke into my life during a particularly doubty (is that even a word?) and violent patch in my upbringing. I asked them how could a God of “Love” allow so many awful things to be happening in my home... Now Mark and Cheryl are two of the most Christ centered and biblicaly literate people I have ever been blessed enough to know as a teen. I thank God for them and the true love of Christ they brought into my life. As I poured out my heart and doubts to them hoping for an answer that would make it all make sense and be better..... the answer they gave me was oddly comforting. They said “I don’t know” and I’m glad you asked.... They did not give me some new theology, they did not give me lecture on God’s design for suffering in our world. Their answer was honest and allowed them to enter into my world of doubt and concern and journey with me. It was like like they knew that doubt does not always need an answer but needs companion who has traveled that road before. So when your students start asking you the harder questions of faith ( and they will ask you harder questions of faith soon) be confident with your “I do not know” and ask them "what do they think" and begin a journey with them. You will be glad you took this trip with them. Thankful Everyday Pastor Mike
0 Comments
World Vision's 30 Hour FamineWhat is World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine?
It’s students around the world loving God and fighting hunger. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students in the U.S. (and more around the world) unite to do the Famine. They learn about hunger, raise funds to help hungry kids, and experience hunger for themselves. Learn more about the Famine. Why should I do the Famine? Hunger-related causes kill nearly 7,000 children a day, but your son or daughter and their friends can do something to help change this. The funds they raise by doing the Famine will help World Vision care for hungry kids and support sustainable change in communities around the world. Your efforts on this event will actually save lives. Yes, what you will be doing is heroic just by going hungry and getting Famine sponsors. See more hunger facts. Will I have fun? The famine is a party on top of a world changing event. We play night games all over the church, we travel for some crazy excitement at Blazer Tag, we server our neigborhood FOR PARENTS: How can I get involved as a parent? Pray. Pray for your teen, their youth group, their leaders and volunteers, and the hungry kids whose lives will be changed through their efforts. Spread the word. Post your child’s online fundraising page across all of your social media sites and email it to all of your friends and family. Read the student materials (and ask your child if they’ve read ’em!). Become a fasting buddy. Support your student by fasting alongside them (not necessarily from food). A shared experience can open up new avenues of conversation! Host a fundraiser. Ask if you can help run and/or support fundraising activities leading up to Famine weekend. Volunteer. If you’re a youth ministry veteran, you’ll have a blast. And if you’ve never been involved, the Famine is a great, easy way to give it a try. Just ask your student’s leader! From minivan drivers to event prep to cooking the break-the-fast meal, there’s a huge variety of ways you can help ensure that the Famine is a life-changing experience for participants. Is fasting for 30 hours safe?For most people, going without food for 30 hours is perfectly safe. There are a few exceptions — like kids under 12, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and people with certain medical conditions or eating disorders. The Famine is a juice fast, which means students are provided by their Famine leader with plenty of water and juice throughout the 30 hours. If you have any questions or concerns about fasting, check with a doctor before your student participates. We’ve also got plenty of alternatives to a traditional food fast if you deem that more appropriate. Get more facts about fasting. How will my teen be fundraising?There are lots of ways students can fundraise: online, in person, by text, over the phone, and more. The hands-down best way to fundraise is by combining ALL of these. Your teen may also be invited to participate in a variety of group fundraisers hosted by their group leader. Learn more about fundraising. What will my teen be doing during Famine weekend? Tons of stuff they’ll love! From late night Blazer tag to Wild True Style games and Studies. We will also be serving their community with a rake and run, learning more about God and His heart for the poor, participating in fun and educational activities like Trek Challenges, Bible Study and taking part in the Poverty Simulation, where they’ll face tough decisions and learn about life from a different perspective — all while hanging out with their friends and growing closer to Christ. The Famine will be one experience they’ll always remember! Students eat their last meal on Saturday at 6 am ( under 12 year old start their fast on at 4pm) for breakfast! They go through their normal Saturday only drinking water and juice. They will be encouraged to spend the day with others who are doing the famine so as to not make a mistake and eat out of habit. It is easier to not eat when you are with friends not eating. All Famine participants will arrive at church at 6 pm for the fastin insanity to begin. The fast end Sunday morning after church at noon. Bring rakes and garden bags for leaves. Click this button to begin your registration |
True Student Ministries
True exists to help students find and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ Archives
July 2017
Categories |