As begin 2008, we are also beginning a new series in our Student Ministry here at NewSpring. We are doing a series called, “EPIC.” We are going to take 7 weeks and walk through the story of the Bible. Of course, this will not cover everything, but we are going to cover 7 themes/stories, and just tell God’s Story.

Our goal in this series is to get the students to go back to the Bible and read it for themselves. So many times, we are guilty of spoon feeding them that they never learn to eat themselves. Through this we believe that students will develop a hunger for God’s Word and because of that hunger, they will discover so much more than we could ever feed them. They can discover that they were “created on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose.” I cannot even imagine what would happen if students were able to grasp that and discover what their purpose in life is! WOW! My prayer is that our students begin the journey to discover that truth and it continues through out their life!!!

Anyways, here is a link to our series opener: EPIC OPENER

Look forward to telling you about what will happen!

We started a new series last night at our Student Ministry Service called 360 and we are going to be looking at some topics (prayer, quiet time, parents, relationships, etc) in a 360 view. Not looking at what we just think about the topic, but what are others saying. Should be a lot of fun! The videos we created were done to be a springboard for the message and done in a tv show format, so keep that in mind as you watch the different clips.

Here is the link to check out our first teaser for 360.

This past Sunday I had the privilege to speak at the main service at NewSpring Church. I had a blast!  Feel free to check out the audio or video on NewSpring Church’s Resource Page. Below are my points from the service:

He Knows
Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus knows exactly where you are and he will get to you in a way you would never expect.

Myth #1: The closer I get to Jesus the fewer problems I will have.

Myth #2: Jesus doesn’t know or care about my problems.

Myth#3: Storms were meant to seperate me from Jesus.

Jesus knows exactly where you are and he will get to you in a way you would never expect.

A HUGE thank you to all of you who lifted me up in prayer during my preperation, it was much appreciated!

IGNITE went really well lasy night! I was looking forward to last night in an unusual expectant sort of way. Yesterday was a busy day…we held our final Parent Meeting before our summer youth camp, The GAUNTLET. I left there and went directly to the 2Seven to prepare for IGNITE.

Band has some minor issues to overcome, but nothing major. I was impressed with the way Daniel Harper, our Student Ministry Worship leader, handled the adversity before the service. He was very calm and took it all in stride. Daniel, you did a great job tonight with handling and leading the band through that adversity. Keep up the great work! I look forward to all the many services we will have to work together in to prepare.

We did a decent job added some additional elements of a new game and a different way to do announcements.

The message was decent in length. We concluded our NEXT series, discussing the vision by ending with ENDURE and ENABLE. My main point was that “We all need each other to: live, survive, and thrive.” I discussed this from 1 Corinthians 12. Also used the statement: “You were created on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose.” The thesis of the message was that we need each other as a part of the body of Christ. Each part of the body has a specific role (a.k.a talent, passion, gifting) and we must use that for the body to function properly. When we do that is it beautiful and we can do so much more through Christ than we could ever imagine. To close, I used the illustration of me and my calling. I displayed my ability (or inability) to play the drums…then our drummer, Ryan Siders, came out and looked at me like I was crazy. Of course, the students were begging him to play and well…he is a whole lot better than me. I then picked up the guitar…tried to play and I told Ryan to follow my lead while I played and it was bad. Then Daniel came out and took over the guitar. They played together and is sounded awesome. I then closed by saying that if we stay in our giftedness, then we can do some awesome things for Jesus.

So…overall I thought that the night went really well. Something to improve on and continue to build.

Last night was our last IGNITE service at the Fusebox at the Anderson Mall. We are moving to a new facility called “The 2Seven”. We also finished up our series called Prison break. We spent the time discussing issues that keep us locked in prison and away from what God has called us to do. Shame, Guilt, Anger, and Jealousy were the main discussion topics, but last night we also threw in some others such as: pornography, cutting, suicidal thoughts, and cheating.

One of the highlights of the night, was when Andrew Sentell, Meagan Gregory, and Tiffany Sellers came out and sang an acoustic version of “I Need You to Love Me” by Barlow Girl. Take some time to go and read the lyrics to the song, even go to I-Tunes and buy the darn thing and listen to it.

The night was geared towards presenting the gospel in a clear understandable way. Well, the best part of the whole night was when we we had 5 students accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It was awesome. We also had numerous students say they are tired of playing games and they want to take their relationship to the next level with Jesus.

After IGNITE, the volunteers all went to Chili’s for our First Sunday Meeting. I always love hanging out with our volunteer leaders. During this time we always hand out our Phenomenal Awards. These awards go to volunteers who have done something PHENOMENAL throughout the month.

Here are the Phenomenal Award Winners for this month:

• Meagan Gregory: Phenomenal Witness in the Workplace
• David Fisher: Phenomenal Ability to Plan and Execute a Small Group Activity
• Ali Henson: Phenomenal Ability to Assist and take care of our leaders and observers
• Sean Gaffney: Phenomenal Service In and Outside of IGNITE.

I think I got all those right…but, if I didn’t they are really close!

Also tonight is stay-at-home date night. Deanna and I are ordering a pizza and renting a movie. We are having a time to just hang out together. I can’t wait to just chill with the most awesome woman in the world! Peace!

Topic: “PRISON BREAK: Shame & Guilt”

Student Attendance: Above Average
Volunteer Attendance: Above Average
Observer Attendance: Average
Message Length: 21 Minutes
Music: Above Average

We started a new series called PRISON BREAK. In this four week series, we are going to be exploring Shame & Guilt, Jealousy & Envy, Anger, and how Jesus sets us free.

Last night we discussed SHAME & GUILT. Lindsay Owens did the teaching and did an AMAZING job. She rocked out and slammed home the points. She had the students bought into the lesson and the response was amazing from the students. It was also great for our female students to see a female lead and teach everyone. I think that made a HUGE impact on our ladies!

This Sunday we are beginning a new series called PRISON BREAK. We are going to be exploring some topics that keep us behind bars and from the freedom that Christ gave us through His death.

Here is the breakdown of our new series:

• April 15th - SHAME & GUILT: Lindsay Owens will be teaching and it is going be awesome. I have seen the outline and she is going to rock it out!
• April 22th - JEALOUSY & ENVY: I am teaching.
• April 29th - ANGER: David Hall will be teaching this, he has some great ideas that we are going to creativity with this Thursday. Should be awesome!
• May 6th - CHAINS THAT HOLD US: I will be teaching again to close out the series.

The whole Ignite Staff really believes that God is going to move in this series. I cannot wait to see what God is going to do in the lives of students, when they realize that the shame, guilt, jealousy, and anger that they are holding onto is NOT the way God intended for them to live!