New Time, Same Place & Exciting News!

Alright Guys!

Unfortunately, if you are not involved with the youth group on any level, you can skip this post because you probably don't care.

First, our Wednesday night time has changed. We are going to be starting at 6:30 PM instead of 7PM. I'm very excited about this because we have a lot of opportunities that can be accomplished after Youth Groups. We will still meet in the Fellowship Hall for Wednesday evenings as well.

Second, with the start of this new time, we are having a pretty cool giveaway this week. If you come at or before the new time of 6:30, you will be entered in a drawing for a $25 ITUNES gift card. That's 2 and a half albums!!! And there's more...if you bring friends your name gets put in the drawing one more time. If you bring two friends, your name is entered two more times and so on and so on.

Lastly, Wednesday night we are unveiling our new logo for the youth group. We decided to change the logo a little bit to update it and make it a little flashy so people can understand what we are all about!

SO...You better be here tomorrow night. You don't wanna miss it!

I will post our old logo for the very last time...enjoy!

What's Your Opinion?

Hey Guys!

This week at Imitate, we will be taking another look into this series called "LIFE". This weeks title is called "Advance". Let me get you thinking a little bit...

This post is not to cause controversy, but discussion. I realize that hardly anyone reads this, but for those who do, please comment! I would love to hear what you have to say. Welp, here goes nothing:

Do you think that Christian's focus too much on the "do not's" of the Bible and not the "do's" of the Bible?

If that is a little fuzzy, let me ask you a series of questions that may help:

1. Do you think Christians focus too much on the "do not's" of the bible (i.e. Do not commit murder, do not commit adultery, do not, do not, do not)?

2. Do you think sometimes we miss our "divine moments" because we are worried that this may not be "God's Will". (NOTE: God's Will is in quotations because sometimes people will over- or misuse this term)

3. Do you think non-Christians think that we are all about the "do not's" of life?

Hopefully this is a fuel to a fire! Comment, comment, comment!

Favorite Song of All Time (So far)

Well, before I start off this blog, I want to say a little something to all my new england friends...SUCKERS!!!!! Hahahaha...no perfect season for the Patriots! Woohoo!

Anyways, this blog is a little less threatening than the last one. Everyone is always worried about saying the wrong thing maybe...who knows?

What is your favorite song of all time, so far. A song that has touched your life whether it be a "Christian" song or "Non-Christian" song. It doesn't matter. What is that song for you?

My favorite song is by the guys that you see at the top of this post. The song is called "Embracing Accusation" by Shane & Shane. I think it has some of the most powerful words in it that a song can have. Look it up, read the lyrics, even buy the song or CD...it's AMAZING!

Leave me some feedback!

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.