Published September 27, 2016
Grace Baptist Church, Batavia, New York
Corey
Ministry Highlights
Student ministry kickoff party (9/9). We had a blast at our first official student event. We had about 70 students and parents come out to enjoy a night of food, games and framing the student ministry year. The kids especially loved the cardboard boat race across the pond! It was a great time of connecting leaders, parents and students.
My meeting with the high school hockey coach went fantastic. He said that he “liked my hockey experience but was even more excited about what I went to school for.” He then proceeded to tell me that so many of the guys lack a solid role model and have no moral compass life, and he was excited about what I contribute to that end. I am very excited for the opportunity to demonstrate and share my faith with these players and coaches!
Our Trunk or Treat community outreach event is gaining traction! The church is really excited for the opportunity to publicly show our community who we are and what we are about. We have already had about 20 cars/trunks sign up on the first day of sign ups! The participation is very encouraging!
The student ministry year is off to a great start. We averaged 50 kids each night this month. Jaycee and I have enjoyed working with some great leaders. We have especially enjoyed our 10th grade small group of about 14 students. We have connected really well with them and are excited to see how God grows each of them.
Key Prayer Requests
Please pray for Jaycee and I as we prepare for the addition to our family. We are extremely excited yet aware of the challenges this will bring to home life, ministry life, our coaching involvement, etc. We need wisdom beyond our years as we navigate this new chapter of life!
Pray for opportunities to share demonstrate and share Christ with my fellow coaches and the players on the hockey team. Also, for Jaycee and her opportunities with her fellow coaches and players on the volleyball team.
Pray for a great impact in our community as we do our Trunk or Treat community outreach event this Halloween. Pray that people see the love of Christ in us and that we have further opportunities to reach those people (via our upcoming “Friendship Sunday, Christmas Concert, etc.”)
Pray for continued growth in our Student ministry, both in number and in maturity. We would love to see more “unchurched/unsaved” students coming to youth group, and we need to see a number of students make major changes in their life in order to grow in their walk with God.
Prominent Lessons
A Believer’s Grieving: As Jaycee and I grieved with our close friends who lost their 6-month-old son, we imagined what this trial would look like for individuals who do not know God nor the truth of His Word. We were overwhelmed with the thought of how hopeless the situation would seem. We were grateful for the hope that we have as believers, the comfort we receive from our God and His truth we can cling to.
The Value of Volunteers: While I may do a bulk of the planning, organizing and communicating for a night of youth group and events, there is absolutely no way I could do it on my own! I have an amazing team of leaders that make doing ministry with them a blast. Our kickoff event was successful because of my volunteers/leaders. An ordinary night of youth group would never be successful if it were not for my leaders; I am so thankful for their faithful ministry in the lives of students!
My Expectations vs. God’s Provision: My finite mind likes to play out scenarios, and that is exactly what I did with my upcoming meeting with the high school hockey coach. I had expected to meet him, talk hockey and hopefully be attending pre-season workouts soon. Instead, I met with the coach; he talked with me about my “education,” being a youth pastor, and what I could contribute “morally” to the team. God completely blew my mind! He totally exceeded my expectations. He has opened up a door to my community in which I will have an amazing opportunity to demonstrate and share Christ.
Organization/Preparedness is Your Best Friend: Everything you do leaves an impression. Being in ministry, one of the last things that gets extensive preparation is a “meeting.” We like to prep for our sermons, lessons, small groups, etc. But when we come to meetings, we tend to “wing it.” Thankfully, I happened to thoroughly prepare for our last trustee’s meeting. And little did I know, my preparation and organization left a positive impression on the men in that meeting. I learned that by being prepared and organized, I had gained credibility with these men. I also noted that had I not been prepared, I could have lost credibility and left a negative impression. Do everything with excellence!
Key Goals for the Next Month
Have two youth leader couples over to our house for dinner.
Meet with one student and/or leader individually at least one time per week.
Select new ABA text and complete a minimum of 50 percent of the prep.
By the end of the month, complete at least 90 percent of my second project.
Jaycee
Ministry Highlights
Our kick-off event went great with a good turnout of both students and parents.
Our first night of youth group went really well. Our leaders were awesome, and we had a great night with the students.
My first girl’s night Bible study started off well, and I’m looking forward to meeting with the girls on a regular basis.
Key Prayer Requests
Continued growth in our relationships with our leaders and students.
Continued health for Baby Boy Hancock.
Opportunities for me to be a witness on the volleyball team at Batavia High.
Prominent Lessons
Relationships take time, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s always worth it to continue to put yourself out there and go up and talk to people even if I feel uncomfortable.
God is able to handle everything at once including all of our starting up craziness!
The Body of Christ is so encouraging and such a blessing. It was so great to be surrounded by our leaders during the start of youth group. They were such a big help and a huge blessing to us and the students!
Key Goals for the Next Month
Continue to have people over to our house
Meet with the girls and start our book together
Connect with individuals outside of youth group for friendship and accountability
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