What's Your Take?

For some of you, this may be the first time you've read my blog and that's cool. For others, this is not. I have a question for you and I would love your comments. Please keep in mind that you do not have to have a blog to comment. I want to know...

What do you think it means to follow Christ?

That's all I want to know. Please comment and comment often. I would really like to hear your opinion...

What Happens When...

Two questions for you to ponder over...

1. What happens when you want to serve God, but you are stuck in neutral?

2. What happens when you run full speed ahead toward an open door only to have it close right as you reach it?

Paul had that happen to him, come out tonight and try and figure out how to deal with or answer these questions...

Hmmmmm....

Last Wednesday we started our new series called "LIFE" and the question was asked if you knew a moment was coming, a divine moment where God would meet you in a place that would change your life forever, what would you do?

Great question. Our topic last week was about "Choices". We looked and asked ourselves are we going to choose to go on this adventure that God has for our lives. We talked about our choice for salvation as well as other topics as well.

Ya know, I wonder what:

• The disciples wondered when Jesus told them to drop everything and follow Him


• The disciples thought when Jesus asked them to come out and walk on water with Him.


• Abraham thought when God told him to bring Isaac to the altar as a sacrifice to him.


• What choices YOU are making in your everyday life.

As you can see, people back in Biblical times had some pretty rough decisions and choices to make. You do too. What choices are you making in your life today?

Think about it!

Men Who Have Influenced My Life

Since it is the beginning of the new year, I would like to share with you of some men who have influenced my life in ministry over the past 4 years that I've been in ministry. These are in no particular order (that's too hard).

1. Dan Houck - He has influenced me by letting me intern with him for about 2 years before blessing me with my first youth ministry job.

2. Dr. James Ayers - Dr. Ayers has helped me become a better person and has taught me so much about character and how important it is.

3. Brian Davis - Brian has been a huge influence in helping me digest theology and being a great accountability partner

4. Dr. Stephen Nichols - Dr. Nichols has opened my eyes to the world of Church History and I can never thank him enough.

5. Lester Hicks - Mr. Hicks has helped me learn what Biblical Hermeneutics is all about and has made the Bible come alive!

6. Alex Groop, Rich Jennings, & Eric Gregory - These guys were my roommates my senior year at LBC and have been great godly friends to many.

7. Tim Hodge - Tim has been a great mentor thus far in my next step in youth ministry. He is the Senior Pastor I serve with now.

8. Scott Distler - Scott is the pastor at Lititz GBC. He is one of the most amazing pastors I know and a great leader as well.

The next two guys I have never met, but have influenced me greatly in ministry.

9. Andy Stanley - My favorite author. He has opened my eyes to what vision really is and how to cast it.

10. Bill Hybels - I have been to Willow Creek once and have seen many satellite conferences with Bill. He has influenced the way I look at Church Leadership.

Why do I do this? Teens, there are a lot of people in life that you will talk to and just forget about. Try your hardest to get the most out the situation at hand. Ask questions. These guys that I have listed have so much wisdom and I am more prepared than I ever thought I would be because each one of these men (despite the last two) have taken time out to challenge me and work with me on certain situations in my life. Take every opportunity to learn from others.