Introducing: SHIFT Student Ministry

We are challenging students, parents, and families to Shift their faith into the next gear and we want everyone to know about it! We will be talking about the new "look" and "feel" of the Student Ministry at SBC North on Sat/Sun Jan 3, 4! New year - new start!
Here is a sneak peek - spread the WORD!

Shift Student Ministry is building a generation of students who passionately LIVE for Jesus in a way that influences others, who GIVE of themselves and GROW in Christ’s love.

Psalm 24:6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

What does SHIFT mean?

It means SHIFTing your Focus, it means SHIFTing your heart's desire to be like His.

It's about a generation of students who SHIFT the direction of the culture back to God.

It's about you and your friends.

SHIFT is about taking the next step for God in your life. It's about shaking things up for Him.

It's about asking God to do something we're unsure he can do - something HUGE!

It's Something you LIVE not something you say.

Please join me in prayer as we expect God to do something bigger and greater than we could even ask, think, or imagine this Spring and into the future!

Shift Student Ministry

SBC North

Leaders - the main ingredient for ministry

Around SBC North I am asking all our leaders to SHIFT into "Leader Acquision Mode"

What does that mean?

• it means we are asking God to use US to double our leadership core by the summer.
• it means Leaders are the main ingredient for a thriving ministry to students!
• it means we love our current leaders enough to equip them to minister and lead others to do so.
• it means we are on the lookout for those who Love God, Love the Church, attend the church, but do not serve faithfully.
• it means I'm asking our leaders to A.C.T.

A - Attract Volunteers: Through relationship and vision-casting (get them to visit the Student Ministry with you to see "What God is doing")

C - Connect them to ministry: help potential leaders to connect with the student ministry where they are spiritually gifted and spiritually passionate to serve.

T - Training them to minister: invite them to our monthly training meetings where they can catch the heartbeat of the ministry, join the team, and learn how to better serve students!

Leaders: out next Leadership meeting is January 11 / 12:30pm. We love you guys and cherish you as a vital minister on this team.

For His Glory,

the White spaces of Life

Not too long ago Brett Davis, SBC West Campus Student Ministry Team member, spoke on the in between times of live and how to focus on God in life. I love our brothers on the West campus and think this is a great messge for this in-between time from Christmas to New Years.

here is the link to the podcast: http//www.second.org/west/west_high.aspx

Missing the manger - part 3

Joseph.

Now here is one guys who really could have missed the manger becasue it did not fit into "His" plan that year! This year as I reflected on the Christmas story and took a little longer look at the manger I couldn't help but see Joseph as a standout.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Fiance comes up pregnant, you decided to divorce her quietly, an Angel tells you to take her as you wife instead, (none of which were on your "to do" list for the season), and then when it is all said and done - you OBEY!

Joseph obeyed...
Immediately: He did what the Lord asked him to do right then. Concern, maybe. Fear, probably. Doubt, for sure. Hesitation to trust and obey -none! Interesting.

Consistently: not only did he make a decision forthe then and now, but he made one that would be something he followed up on throughout his entire life.

I would like to be more like Joseph.

Missing the manger - part 2

Luke 2:10 - The Shepherds
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

Over the last few days I've been trying to walk the fields with the Shepherds who lived near a town called Bethlahem and heard about Jesus that starry night. One thing I could not escape is how God's message just BURST into their lives. Into their ordinary, routine lives.

I realized - it gives great HOPE for us who may have decided that tomorrow will not be different than today. God does that - He BURST in!

Here's the idea: This year Christmas can happen to you!

What was the Message to these ordinary Joe Shepherds like you and me?
3 PHRASES

Good News - this is the core of Christmas. It's good news that Christ came and burst into our lives to change us for eternity. I just love hearing good news, what about you? God loves sharing it!

Great Joy - When I think of Great joyous words I think of are "Excited", "Impressed", Enthusiasm", "Passion." And this "Great Joy" is not Just for you - it's something God wants to do in you! It's Personal. Christmas involves you. Christ involved you at Christmas.

All people - This means this news and joy is not limited in circulation. It's for YOU! This Year. FOR me. It's for Shepherds, Kings, the common, the rich, the wise, the regular, the struggling, the effective, the young, the old, the impressive, the shy, the lovely, the down and out. I love that!

A question I have asked myself:

Are you experienceding that good news right now in your life?

Despite any bad news that may exist in your life?Don't let those circumstances erase the good news - the greatest news!

The angel called it Good news, but it's really greater than any other news around. It's what will last - it's what Christmas is all about!


managing not to miss the manger,
Brian

An Early Christmas Present

Like I said - I love good news! Well, the Lord sent the Harris family some good news in the form of a sold Austin home this morning. Our house in Austin will not be ours for long - We pray for the new family, that it will be ahome that honors God, is full of love, and nourishes family. I just love it when I can brag on the Lord for an answered prayer!

tis the Season,
Brian

Missing the manger - Part 1

Missing the manger:

This Christmas I have reallybeen doing some things to keep me from personally missing the manger for the busyness of Christmas. It's easy to do and even easier to have not realized it. I've been writing in my journal some observations (of self and others), and have noticed that most people respond the the manger during this time of year in two ways:

1. They speed past it - they're too busy and they "miss the manger" and miss the Christ of Christmas.

2. They intentionally stop to see Christ, and are pulled in by His majesty.

Today I pray that I will take time to seek Christ, see Christ, and serve Christ as I celebrate His birth.

All Praises to the newborn King!

Ben & Brian time

Today's lunch was so much fun! Mostly because Benjamin and I went to lunch together and ran into tons of our JHigh students (they were let out of school early so they all congregated at the McDonalds in Kingwood to hang out.) Ben and I sat there in the middle of all of them, met many students, and had a blast (especially Ben). Afterwards we went down to the river, watched some boats come in, dogs fetch balls in the water, then we ran from these geese that chase you at the duck pond - I think Ben had his first "Survivorman" moment out there! Great way to get in some Father/Son time. I love that boy!

A few things about Ben:

• he is very adventurous!
• Ben loves people
• Ben loves to talk (even if i don't know what he is saying)
• he challenges me to be a better Dad
• I see a tender heart in him even as he gets a little older
• he is still my little baby boy

Brian

Daddy & Daughter Time

This morning Olivia (my 3 year old) and I had some much needed Daddy & Daughter time. Every one in a while we have what she calls a "Daddy/Daughter Date", and she just loves them! Today we simply ate breakfast at Mcdonalds and then she came to work with me - she loves that! We talked about Chritmas, Santa, the kitten she wants for Christmas, and ponies. I was reminded that I can do all the grand ministry in the world, but my family should always be first. Today I'm asking God to help me keep that focus and passion for my family. She's worth it, Erin's worth it, and outr little guy Benjamin is worth it!

God really speak through little children, mant times our own children, and I'm grateful that he does.

family first,

Brian

Premiere Wknd '09 is coming!

Premiere Weekend
Join us February 6-8 as we roll out the red carpet for Premiere Weekend. Students will be in host homes throughout the Houston area for an incredible time of fun, fellowship, and growth. Our featured guest speakers will include Dr. Jay Strack, Alex Himaya, Brent Crowe, and the Student Leadership University team. Premiere Weekend will feature high energy worship led by each campus worship team. The worship, small group times and activities will make this event one powerful weekend in the lives of the students who attend.

2 huge behind the scene things makes events like this a success:
1. Solid, Godly, Leaders
2. Willing Host homes

As I have thinking about this I made a simple list of things that make this a much smoother process:
A. Invite other leaders in your ministry sphere to help recruit. Leaders begat leaders!
B. Be careful who you ask - it's easier to ask someone to help than it is to ask them not to be involved.
C. Get creative - think outside the box on how to spread the word.
D. Rememeber - many people are simply waiting to be asked to serve - we need to be faithful to set the opportunity before them.


This year we are looking to ramp up the number of both leaders and homes. Do you know someone who is interested? As always we run everyone through screening and are looking for those who are truly ministers at heart.

looking for more info??
visit Premiere Wknd's Website OR check out our North Campus Leader Group on Facebook.

pray for Premiere Wknd,

Brian

Play it! JHigh Wed's in Dec @ SBC North

Play it!

A 2 part series for JHigh students on the North Campus begins next Wed. Night.

The idea for Finals go you down? Need to work off some of that Turkey? Check out what's happening on the next 2 Wed nights for JHigh students:

• Wii Mario Kart Competition each night


• VIP COUCH for whoever brings the most friends!
  

Play It may be two of the greatest weeks for gaming in your life! Each week we will be helping you take a look at your language, your personal life, and the meaning of forgiveness. But with a theme of popular board games tying all these lessons together, SO No matter how you to play it, you will never be able to look at board games the same way again!

hope to see you there and rememeber: spread the word on Turkey Bowl this Sunday!

For Him,

Brian

Turkey Bowlin'

Turkey Bowl 2:

This SUNDAY 1-5pm / SBC North REC Fields!

I can't wait until Sunday! I have been hanging out at JHigh lunches all week spreading the word so that our JHigh Students and Parents will join us this Sunday for the annual 7-on-7 Flag Football Tournament! There will be guys and girls teams, food, door prizes, smores, championship T's, new Jhigh beanies, a halftime message, and much more.

Don't miss this annual tradition of gridiron fun!

We could still usae some adult volunteers! email bharris@second.org if you can help!

Anyone who brings a guest from their Turkey Bowl Team to church this weekend or the next will get a free JHIGH beanie!

Register Your Team: get a form at church, or this Wednesday night at the information desk to register your student's team. If they don't have a team we will be sure to get them on one!

Are you ready for some football?!

Brian Harris

Bball Season is Finally here

Last night I had the chance to do 2 things that I just love:

1. Take my Daughter on a Daddy/Daughter date night!

2. Watch a HS basketball game

Olivia and I attended the Kingwood HS girls basketball games (JV and Varsity) last night, had a blast, and met some new people.

(As an aside: God is always good to use you if you will simply put yourself where people are. I had the chance rub shoulders with a few great families and talk with someone else who I think will open a door to some wonderful ministry - He is so faithful!)

I can't wait to see what happens as the season ramps us!

Here are the Kingwood and Kingwood Park HS schedules for this year:

KHS girls

KHS boys

KPHS girls

KPHS boys

Happy Turkey Day!

Brian

15 Things You Probably Don't Know

adapted from a post I saw on another blog (it made me think...)

1. My favorite running shoe is the Wave Rider by Mizuno.

2. If I could meet anyone in the world, it would be Lance Armstrong. (i'd love to share Christ with him)

3. I don't like cats, but my daughter has really longed for one recently (real conundrum for me!)

4. My PR in the mile was/is 4:33.

5. I own a pair of spandex tights.

6. My kids and I love to build blanket tents in the living room together.

7. I despise the Washington Redskins and a lack of commitment.

8. I've had way to many speeding tickets in my life to count.

9. My biggest prayer is that I am being used by God.

10. I once went hog hunting with only dogs and a knife in Fred, Texas.

11. I accepted Christ when I was 15 years old.

12. My favorite time of day is late, late at night.

13. I absolutely love what I do, adore my kids, and cherish my wife!

More than Dodgeball...this Wednesday!

From time to time I like to check this blog - morethandodgeball.com to see what others are doing in the Student Ministry world.

This week we have a large event for students called Wednesday Night Lights, and as we promote, put on the event, and follow up on those that respond I thought this article was appropropriate: Check it out for yourself http://www.morethandodgeball.com/?p=4364

I'm ready to see what happens this Wednesday - Jonathan Gray, our HS Pastor, recaps what the last Wednesday Night Lights was like!

headed to a HS football game,

Brian

Kingwood Park Football

Last night Olivia (my 3 yr. old) and I had a daddy& daughter date night while attending the Kingwood Park freshman and JV football games. I already love this school and am expectant of all that God will do in the lives of the students and families there as we move forward in ministry together!

Brian

Teaming Up - Part 4 "Right Hand Team"

As I'm walking through these Team Building posts, I have enjoyed the challenge that Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor LifeChurch.tv, gives to those developing teams for ministry:

"Many leaders have a right-hand-man (or woman). To maximize your leadership effectiveness, I would suggest a right-hand-team.
For years, many churches that grew large enough had a senior pastor and his right-hand-man, the executive pastor. In my opinion, this is a dated and limited model of church leadership.
I suggest breaking the traditional “second spot” into two to four roles. I can’t tell you what those roles will be for you, but I’ll offer some broad suggestions.
Serving alongside the leader, you’ll probably want two to four team members that cover these roles:"

The question I'm asking myself is, who are these "right-hand" individuals in my ministry and on our team? Could it be key parents, key lay leaders, staff memebers. Where do those on our current team fit into these roles? Here are the ones listed on Craig's blog:

An administrative player. You’ll want to ensure someone is capable of building systems, structures, and accountability.

A relational player. Hopefully you’ll have someone who is very good with people. This person could be an expert in recruiting, team building, pastoring, relational problem solving, or some combination of the above.

An innovative player. In the best environment, you’ll have someone who is an idea-person. This team member is often young (but not necessarily). You’ll want to make sure this innovative mind isn’t rebellious and is a team player. When you find a person like this, she/he will be a great asset to your team.

A stabilizing player. Most good teams have a person who can rise above the details and see the big picture. This person may not be the most visible, but is often one of the most important. He is someone who can bring objectivity and stability in the middle of challenges.

On His Team,

Brian

Television shows linked to teen pregnancy

Today I had a great talk with a parent of an 8th grader in our ministry. Learned a great deal! One thing we discussed was that she is looking for an outlet (in addition to her own parenting) for her daughter to learn about sexual purity. Her mom stated that many of the girls in her daughter's school (some of which attend our mid-week Bible study) are already sexually active! This got me thinking...and I found this article I wanted to share: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1256546,CST-NWS-tvsex03.article

Parents who think there's too much sex on TV have good reason to be concerned, we will be addressing this as our team plans on how we will attack this topic with our students over the next year.

Brian

Forming a Team, Part 3 - (Who's on the bus?)

Right now our team is in the process of adding some new members. In the last couple days I have had the priviledge of getting to know a potential Junior High pastor. (a position that is key as we build a student ministry here on the North Campus) One thing that I am asking for is discernment from the Lord on who we bring on. One thing I know: You can always ask someone to revisit joining your team easier than you can ask someone to leave. As Jim Collins says, "You need to have the right person on the bus, and have everyone sitting on the right seat on the bus."

When you’re building a team, you have to remember a team takes time to build. I need to remember that today.

Again, here is what Craig Groeschel Senior Pastor LifeChurch.tv has to say about Teams...

You must be willing:

To fight together. A team that can’t work through conflict will never be a team.

To be loyal to the death. Even though you can fight behind closed doors, you ALWAYS stand together publicly. Disloyalty is never tolerated.

To be transparent. If you can’t be brutally honest about everything, you don’t have a team.

To care for each other. A team that is “all business” will eventually deteriorate. A ministry team must become a family.

To have fun together. I always know a team is not healthy when I don’t hear them laughing often.

Building,

Brian

Calling all Parents!

Tonight we are hosting a parent meeting. My hopes are very high for this first step in truly partnering with parents in student ministry.
Here is what Jim Burns at Home Word has to say about parenting in a busy world:

5 tips to help busy people prioritize their lives
W.P. Kinsela had never published a word before he set out to redirect his life. In his mid-forties, he decided to start listening to the still ...

Partnering with parents,

Brian

Leading a Team (part 2) - Team Leadership

I don’t like committees. Big groups of people rarely make the best decisions and often slow things down.

When I talk about leading as a team, I am NOT talking about ministry by committees.

On any good team, there is a head coach. Someone must be in charge. But if the coach is wise, he’ll build a team of coaches.

In any ministry, I suggest the following:

• One leader who is ultimately responsible for the direction of the ministry.
• Three to seven people who become some sort of a leadership team. (Two is not enough. Three drastically improves the dynamics. More than seven becomes bulky. This could be an advisory team, executive team, leadership team, directional team, or whatever suits your purposes.
• When possible, the people on the team should be a diversified group.
• Each person has an equal voice—but the leader reserves the right to make the final call. (On our team, it has been years since I have overridden the wisdom of the team. I still reserve the right at any time to make the hard call.)

I love leading our team here on the North campus - we had a great meeting to day to dream about the future. Can't wait!

Brian

Leading with a Team

If you are familiar with the guys in the picture above then you know what the picture of a non-team looks like. While The Office is funny my heart is to see God build a team for His Glory, and since this is truly my first real week in the office (on the ground) here at Second my thoughts are all about how to build a team of people who love the Lord and are sold out to students. I love to read a blog by Lifechurch.tv, and here is what they are talking about when it comes to teams and ministry:

If you want to see the potential of a church or ministry, don’t look at the charismatic leader up front. Look at the team the leader has assembled.
Most charismatic leaders can attract followers. It takes a humble leader to attract leaders.
Many pastors won’t build a team because of several reasons:

• Deep down they are insecure. These pastors are afraid someone else will get the spotlight. They will always be limited in their potential.
  


• They are full of pride. Some honestly believe that no one can do it as well as they can. Again, this leader has a ceiling that will limit him until he changes.
  


• They don’t see the value of a team. Because team ministry isn’t often practiced, too many pastors haven’t seen a good model.
  

This week I will be following Craig Groeschel's thoughts on the values (and dangers) of leading with a team.

Have you been a part of an effective team?

Starbucks and Students

Over the next 6 weeks our High School Pastor, Jonathan Gray, is challenging our High School students to raise money in their small groups to help those less fortunate in countries all around the world. He's partnering with Harvest of Hope in hopes that our students can demonstrate God's love in a way that one person, who they may never meet, will never forget. The small groups will raise money to purchase families a well for drinking water, Bibles for those who have none, and seeds for farmers in a 3rd world countries so they can feed their families.

The challenge is simple - we're asking or students to give up their weekly Starbucks run, Wendy's frosty, or a new pair of jeans in order to practice compassion for others and selflessness for ourself. I can't wait to see how God will use this creative and challenging idea, I can't wait to see many of our students get involved, and I'm so grateful to work with such a gifted leader as Jonathan.

hoping for a harvest,
Brian

going the Second Mile...

This week my life has been consumed by one thing (mainly) - - The Second Mile Institute. Everyone that's a part of the Second Baptist team walks through a series of classes developed to ground us in what we believe, and flesh out how this great church functions as a family. It's a great way to learn about the DNA of the organization that is Second; a place that's not so much a big church, but a small town!

As I walked through this week's classes here are a few things I noticed:

• You never arrive - You can always find new ways to strech/strengthen your relationship with Christ. I was in classes on my spiritual life with interns as well as members of the executive team here at Second. Always growing, always learning, always striving to look more like Christ should be our number one goal. To boil it down to one word - humility.
  
• Accountability is not an option - If you truly want to grow, minister effectively, and do so over the long haul accountability in life is key.
  
• Great organizations are shaped - it was great to notice the guiding values that drive Second, and that have driven them from 30 years. Our vision is clear, our mission is direct, and because of that our focus is fine tuned.
  
• Teamwork is vital
  
• AND - People trump programs

It was a great week! I met new friends, was challenged in my walk, and learned a great deal.

running the race,
Brian H.

passion and position

I love what John Maxwell once said:

“A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”

Tonight, Erin and I had the Youth Team at the North Campus out to our place to eat some great food, have some fun, and dream about Student Ministry. (we would have watched the World Series if Bud Selig has not postponed it yet again!)

It was great to see the passion that our team posseses for ministry to students. We are asking God to give us a grand vision for reaching Kingwood's teenagers, connecting them in meaningful relationships, and growing them up in Christ, and what's more; for the courage to go after it!

Isn't is curious that it's passion not position that launches leaders and teams toward a great vision of what could be... if that is the case we are poised for God to do great things!

expectantly,

Brian

Kingwood Mustangs Football

Tonight Erin, our daughter Olivia, David Wilson (one of our students from Second/North) and Jonathan Gray, North Campus HS Pastor, all went to the Kingwood v. Nimitz football game. Met tons of students and some great families - proof that going where the students are is always a key to building relationships. Jonathan has been amazing as he has relationally connected me to many students.
Kingwood brought home a win with a 34-28 victory...all in all a great night!

Night's take aways...
- God grew my heart for our ministry in this school to explode and bear fruit - huge potential!
- Saw an opportunity and open door to minister to the Kwood HS B-ball team as we are hoping to join them for open gym over the next few weeks.
- Enjoyed the joy of community!
- Praying for the Lord to go ahead of us and open doors.

Keep running the race
Brian

Letting Go...

Yesterday was a big day for me. My wife and I dropped off our daughter, Olivia, at Second's pre-school for her first day ever. I was thinking…”this should be routine.” After all, she’s only 3 and we're confident in our little girl's social skills (she has truly never met a stranger). It wasn’t.
As I let go of her hand and “released” her to the “world,” I was filled with a surprising conflict of emotions. On one hand, I knew she was ready and excited to begin her journey that day. On the other hand, by letting go, I no longer felt in “control.” The school lobby represented the first step into the great unknown; both for Olivia and her emotional father. Livi would be meeting and interacting with other kids (even boys..ugh!). She would no longer always be in the safe little world we had created for her.
If you’re a parent, you know exactly what letting go feels like…whether you have a child, middle school, or high school student. As I walked off the school campus that day with my wife Erin, I reflected on what I had just experienced. God gently reminded me that He loves my daughter more than I ever could. On my best day, I could never love her the way He loves, pursues, and surrounds her.
I’m still uneasy today, but God’s “whisper” to me comforted me in a way that nothing else could. I know I will never be able to completely manage the world around my little girl, but God sees her. He cares. And He pursues.

Brian Harris
Student Pastor and Dad

Out of the Gate

1st day on the ground here in Kingwood was this Wednesday…learned a great deal and had a blast meeting everyone!

A few high points and my first impressions...

1. Watching and Learning: Brian Mills, Youth Pastor at the West Campus, has mentioned before that learning is so important when you are working on building a long term successful student ministry. It is good to set back and watch what happens and determine what you need to do. I'm learning a great deal about what it means to reach students in Kingwood for Christ and I can't wait to see what the Lord does as we seek His face!

2. Community, Community, Community: When it comes to reaching students the team here is knocking it out for the park they have seen many come to Christ over the last few weeks and many waiting to be baptized . Over the next few weeks we I will be pushing our team toward intentional events to not only meet students where they are, but also to get our presence out into the community here in Kingwood. Tailgates, breakfast on campuses, serving on campuses etc..

3. You can't do it alone: My heart is to see many in the church body here catch a huge vision for students and the next generation, and to have them team up with us to reach the future for Christ! This will be key as we move forward!

4. First impressions: What is the first impression students get of our ministry when they come through our doors? What is said about us in the community, in schools? What can we do to create an environment where students feel welcome and decide within the first 20 seconds in the building that they want to come back? These are just some questions I'm asking right now...

shifting student ministry
Brian

Times of Transition

The last few weeks the Harris household has been in the process of migrating from Austin, TX to Houston. We are extremely excited about all the God has in store for us as we join the Second Baptist family and begin to pray some bold prayers for the students in Kingwood!

I just spent the last 2 days with some of the Youth Staff at Second in Birmingham, AL. During that time did some reflection on what I have learned so far in this time of transition. (still much more learning to come!) Here is what I have found:

1. Leave Well: Many of my mentors have shared with me during this process to be sure to take time and make some final solid investments in those I have poured into over the past few years. Take friends to lunch, remind students and their parents how much you cherish them, affirm your friends on staff, and thank those over you in leadership. Be intentional, be affirming, and remind them you are still interested in their lives well beyond your location in their city. Don't burn bridges.
2. Protect Your Family: You're not the only one in transition. Be sure to give you family extra special attention because you are not the only one in limbo. Everyone is changing homes, saying goodbye to friends, and shifting schools. It's a great time for Dad to draw near to the wife and kids and bond the family together.
3. Practice Patience: It takes time to transition, and that's after you've taken the time to get a clear message from God on the direction you need to go. Be patient - trust His timing.
4. Be a Learner: When a new leader derails, failure to learn is almost always a factor. Listen, observe, hear what others have to say before you speak up to much. You can learn a great deal that will help you later as you lead if you will listen. Effective learning calls for figuring out what you need to learn, and Efficient learning means identifying the best available sources of insight.

back from Bama,
Brian

See You At The Pole

See you at the Pole is tomorrow - This annual gathering began in Burleson, Texas, in 1990, as a response to a Disciple Now weekend with a handful of Christian students. It has grown by word of mouth, announcements at youth rallies and churches, and the Internet; SYATP meetings now occur internationally.

curious to learn more? click here

Hyde Park Student Ministry will be holding a POST POLE rally on top of the HPBC parking garage from 7-8pm this Wednesday. I hope to see you there!

Brian

Hurricane Ike Relief Efforts...

Ike has truly impacted the lives of many people I know and lately I have been asking how I/we can help out...well, as a body of believers Hyde Park is responding in love. Here is how you can get involved...HPBC's Hurricane Relief Efforts


Also, I found some unbelievable pictures of Ike on a friend's page - I wanted to share them with you HERE

Brian

Hurricane Ike...how can we help now?

As we are praying for those who are dealing with Ike's aftermath in Houston and SE Texas - I also have been asking myself how I can help out...here is what I have found.

Click here to learn how you can help.

Brian

Fireproof - the movie

Check out the new trailer for the movie Fireproof...comes out in a couple weeks.

Brian

Top 10 in TV today!

I was snooping around Kurt Johnson's stuff and stumbled across this recent list of Top 10 television shows.

Rank TV Program Audience (in millions)
1. America's Got Talen t (NBC) 12
2. Wipeout (ABC) 9.5
3. Criminal Minds (CBS) 9.1
4. So You Think You Can Dance - Thu. (Fox) 8.8
5. CSI: NY (CBS) 8.5
6. Two and a Half Men (CBS) 8.5
7. 60 Minutes (CBS) 8.2
8. House (Fox) 8.1
9. CSI: Miami (CBS) 8
10.Hell's Kitchen (Fox) 8
Source: Neilsen Media Research

Here is what Kurt, Jr. High Pastor @ Saddleback Church in California had to say about it...

Do you remember several years ago when the "Reality T.V." craze kicked into high gear? At the time, most television experts and pundits went on the record as saying that reality tv would only last a year or two. It's interesting that in the list above, 4 of the top 10 tv shows are reality shows. In fact, 3 of the top 4 fall into the category!

The lesson: Experts and pundits aren't always right. Every field has its experts, and in every field, those experts can often be wrong in their assessments and predictions. Youth ministry is no different. And is often the case in other fields, the youth ministry experts, pundits and predictors of things to come are often far removed from the real world of youth ministry. I appreciate the wisdom and observations of men and women who observe trends, society, theology and try to help us figure out where it's all heading. But I also realize that they can be wrong. It doesn't make them less smart or less authoritative, just wrong sometimes.

Keep reading, keep going to seminars, keep talking to people you respect. But don't change your entire ministry based on what today's hot youth ministry topic is among the experts.

When I look at that list I notice a couple things:

First, things change and progress, and that's vital to progress.

Second, while some things change, lots of things stay the same.

Perhaps that's not a bad way to look at youth ministry.

Some questions to chew on for your ministry:

• What things in your specific ministry have changed that you didn't expect?
• What things did you think would have changed by now that haven't?
• What things desperately need to change and you are willing to make it happen?
• What things must never change?

food for thought,
Brian

Texting ...the new email!

I found this post on a friend of mine's site who also serves students...it's a new day, what's keeping us from keeping up with them?

Here are some great places where you can begin to text all of your students. Texting is today’s e-mail. We should be texting our students strategically throughout the year.

Remember you do not want people to get use to a text and ignore it (remember it is today’s e-mail). As they get a text from us we want them to appreciate it so we try to be strategic when we text them.

Here are couple of websites to go to so you can start texting all your students:

http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/txt.html

http://www.joopz.com/.

Find out a lot more on David Drinnon's Blog - IT Pastor for Second Baptist Church Houston

What are we trying to build?

great stuff from Growing Leaders...

What Are We Trying to Build?
Matthew ch. 15 tells us that we are to be the light of the world...what a challenge! As I reflect on this I have to ask myself, is that what we are training our students to be? This is what I want to be about - building leaders for Christ's cause. We are trying to build "growing leaders." They will stand in contrast to their peers around the world. They will be counter-cultural. They are marked by these characteristics:

ORDINARY STUDENTS
1. Self-absorbed
2. Imitate others
3. Apathetic
4. Consuming
5. Presumptuous
6. Controlling
7. Status quo
8. What can I get?
9. It's about the money
10. Blend in

GROWING LEADERS
1. Sacrificial
2. Authentic
3. Committed
4. Generous
5. Grateful
6. Empowering
7. Hungry mind
8. What can I give?
9. It's about a mission
10. Stand out

The Beautiful Bat City

If you didn't know, they call Austin, Tx the "bat city" among other things - I've lived here over 3 years and just found out. Well, this weekend I had the pleasure of seeing what the whole bat thing was all about. My parents visited along with Holly, my sister, and James, my brother. By simply taking in the city and being a part of the thousands (literally) who come out every night to watch the bats under the bridge (a very "weird" experience I might add) reminds me of the simple beauties of this city. God has blessed me and my family in so may ways here in Austin, and it's a privilege to do HIS work here.

keep running the race
Brian

Back to the Bulldogs

Isn't is true that no matter how far you travel or how much you change you will always live in light of where you came from and who you were? If find it interesting that as we continue to follow after Christ who we truly are really comes to the surface.

So, that being said, this weekend is my 10 year High School reunion. Erin and I are packing up the car, the kids, and headed back to the land of the bulldogs, Nederland Texas, my home.

As I've been preparing for this thing called a HS reunion I'm reminded of all my old friends from HS who must have changed somewhat by now. I'm also reminded that Paul understood what it meant to see people differently (even if it is 10 years later)...

Paul challenges, "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone,the new has come!"

Today I ponder the simple fact that God has taken the old man, the used car, that I once was and has given me a new perspective. Today, I embrace the wonder of what it meant for me to grow up and experience life in a uniquely amazing place like Nederland, and I praise God that He has given me a purpose greater than all others:

Paul goes on to say, "all this from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

My goal is to be about that this weekend.

Here's to HS reunions!

My Rookie Blog

Because this is a new thing for me and because I really would rather have something to say about what God has been doing around me rather than in me I have decided that my first blog will be a out Wildlife - our student ministry's summer event. it's been exciting to see our students enjoy the simply pleasure of having fun together & inviting their friends to do the same.
That's what it really is all about anyway right; being used to expand God's Kingdom and having a great time doing it!
Wildlife meets every Wed Night from 6:30-8:30pm
Location: HP's The Quarries Campus get directions here