Published December 9, 2016
Grace Baptist Church, Batavia, New York
Corey
Ministry Highlights
Catalyst Conference: The other pastors and I had the opportunity to attend a conference down in Lancaster, PA this month. We thoroughly enjoyed our time. The content was fresh, stimulating and just what we needed. We are already applying much of what we took away from the conference in regards to leading the church and the upcoming “next steps” of Grace.
Leader’s Meeting: This past month, we had a youth leader’s meeting. We recapped the year thus far, talked through current situations and strategized for the upcoming months of ministry. It was a great to hear what God is doing in the lives of our young people as well as give me an opportunity to continue promoting the purpose of our student ministry. We have a group of amazing leaders!
Preaching: I had the opportunity to preach the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I had an absolute blast preaching the text of John 21 and asking the question of “Do I really love Jesus?” God used this text and my time preparing to really challenge, teach and convict me. I love God’s Word, its work in my life and the opportunity to preach it!
Hockey Relationships: I have been continuing to enjoy all of the relationships I am forming with players and fellow coaches on the hockey team. I am continually burdened for and praying for the salvation of these many individuals. God has started to provide opportunities for me to share my faith and demonstrate it to others.
Key Prayer Requests
Student: I have been spending time with a student who does not know Christ as his savior. I had an opportunity to share the gospel with this individual. He recognized his need, but he has politely refused to take action or really shown a desire to change his spiritual standing with God. This student desperately needs Jesus and will continue to severely struggle in sin until he has a relationship with Jesus.
Students: There are a number of students who are living the “double Christian-life.” They desire and claim to live for Christ while in the “Jesus atmosphere” but choose to be content with living for the world in their other contexts. Pray for opened-eyes, genuine conviction of their current lifestyle/choices and a Spirit-prompted desire to unashamedly live for Christ.
Pregnancy & Ministry: That I will be able to navigate our new chapter of life with wisdom beyond my years. I am beyond excited to welcome my baby boy into this world, love him and care for him. I also desire to be an effective youth pastor, loving/supporting husband and a coach who demonstrates Christ to unbelievers. Pray that I appropriately balance and blend these multiple facets of my life, not getting distracted or overwhelmed by “busyness,” but continually falling more in love with Jesus every day.
Hockey Relationships: Pray that I will continue to have “God conversations” with players and coaches. I may be at “square one” relationally with these individuals, but it is a great “square one.” I am excited to see where things are by the end of this season! I am so grateful God has given me this opportunity to be involved in our community as well as demonstrate His love to others who need it most!
Prominent Lessons
There is incredible value to getting away as a pastoral staff, being refreshed, taught and challenged together. The conference was great for this!
I cannot make students love God; I cannot make them turn from their sin. No matter how much I desire for them to change, I cannot make them change. All I can do is fervently pray for God’s miraculous work in their life.
There is no substitute for preparedness of the heart. While I was prepared (notes, illustrations, etc.) for my sermon, I feel that I benefited more from being prepared spiritually (heart, passion, burden).
There is incredible value in meeting with leaders. Simply setting a time debrief, discuss, strategize and brew passion for their service in a ministry.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Proposal done and 25 percent complete of Project number three.
Meet with two students over the Christmas break.
Meet with two leaders over the Christmas break.
See over 1,000 people attend our concert/live nativity.
Jaycee
Ministry Highlights
A great turnout for our Friendship Sunday outreach.
Good times with our Senior High girls in our Wednesday night accountability group.
My baby shower was this month and was such an overwhelming display of our church’s generosity, love and support of our growing family.
Our count your blessings service was a great time to hear all that God has been doing in people’s lives in our church.
Key Prayer Requests
Baby Trevin’s arrival is getting closer! Pray that everything goes smoothly and that we have a healthy baby!
Our church’s Christmas Cantata is this month and is used as a big outreach. Pray that unsaved people would come to hear the gospel. I’ll be singing (unless baby comes), and Corey will be heading up the Live Nativity.
Prominent Lessons
Trusting/resting in God’s timing and not my own.
God’s faithfulness is so overwhelming, especially looking back over the past year and seeing how He has guided us and brought us along His plans for our lives.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Still being involved as I can as the baby’s due date gets closer and to handle that transition in stride, realizing that my participation might look different and being ok with that.
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