At the zoo looking at the "ishies".

100 Most Read Bible Verses

I picked this link up off Corey Mann's Twitter page (side note, Corey Mann, the most prolific Tweeter in our area). It is top 100 verses searched on BibleGateway.com. They explain their list...

What are the most popular Bible verses on BibleGateway.com?

We thought it would be interesting to find out, so we crunched some numbers from a (relatively) small sample of 25 million Bible passage searches from March and April.

This list isn’t actually based on a straight popularity count; simply tallying the most-read verses results in a top 100 list that consists almost entirely of John 3:16 and verses from 1 Corinthians 13, Genesis 1, Romans 8, and Psalm 23. Our list instead considers instances in which BibleGateway.com users looked at three or fewer verses at one time.

If you’re curious to know what the least popular Bible passage is, it’s 1 Chronicles 23-27, which details the organization of the priests and officials under King David.

It's an intriguing list... check it out here.

Youtubesday: Joe Ehrmann

Sunday, I mentioned the book Season of Life in my message. I reviewed it here, and I put it in the must-read category if you are a father, teacher or coach of young men.

I found this story from Bryant Gumbel's Real Sports that looks at Joe Ehrmann and the Gilman Prep School... the focus of Season of Life. Check it out to catch a little glimpse why this book has struck me so deeply.

First Generation Christians

I just had a brief conversation with someone who is a first generation Christian.

His parents and his parents' parents were not followers of Christ. As I shared about the idea of "passing the baton" Sunday, he said something hit him in a huge way, and that out of the message he experienced some major healing.

First generation Christians are some of my heroes. Thanks to my heritage, this parenting thing is much easier (not easy, but much easier). Those seeking to live out, invest and teach something that was not modeled to them is tough.

It's also awesome, because first generation Christians may very well be on the verge of a new relay race for the Kingdom.

If you come from a family or families with great spiritual heritage, rejoice in the blessing. If you are a first generation follower of Christ, rejoice in your opportunity!

Sunday, 7:30 a.m. and what's on my mind?

Very few things will get me up before 7 a.m. This is on of those things. I had a great schedule this week leading in to this Sunday where I'll be preaching live 3 times and be fed over twice on video to our Connection service.

• No Wednesday Night responsibilities to prepare for.
• No major meetings.
• A creative concept that I had been processing (both personally and with others) for about a month.
• A different way of doing the message notes that has allowed me more time and freedom to tweak and fine-tune the message after the normal "deadline date".

Yet, I found myself in the same spot as any other Sunday morning, waking up to the nagging thoughts of the enemy and my flesh.
Who are you?
What gives you the right?
You are going to bomb.

So I'm in the shower, ironing my clothes, eating my cereal... all the while doing battle. Crying out to God for strength, wisdom, and courage.

The funny thing is all those thoughts have truth in them. true.
Who am I? Just some punk that had his life turned upside-down by Jesus.
What gives me the right? Nothing of me, just the authority of the Spirit of Christ that lives IN me.
I will bomb... if this is all about me and done in my strength.

So I, like any other time I prepare to stand before a group of people, lay myself before a Holy God and pray, "Anoint my lips. Less of me. More of you. Show up, God, and show off!"

Softball Update

B League at Prairie Camp. Nappanee Team 2 Current Record: 5-1.
Last night was our 3rd double-header. I wasn't there for our first week's game where we split (I'm trying to say anything... but I'm just sayin').

This year is unique in that we had been playing in the co-ed D league for the past 6 years. We didn't have any gals interested in playing this year, so we moved up to the B league (which is actually the highest league where we're playing).
I've been doing some pitching as well. I pitched a few games 13 years ago when I was coaching a youth team at another church, but haven't since.

So far, I'm 3-0 as a pitcher. I'd love to take huge pride in that, but anyone involved with slow-pitch softball knows that a pitchers success has little to do with his ability, and much to do with the fielding abilities of his teammates.

Friday 5: Movies

I've seen Wolverine, Star Trek, and Terminator Salvation. Star Trek was by far the best and Wolverine was by far the worst.

Here's 5 more Summer flicks I'm most looking forward to...

Parenting Tips From DC

DC Curry is the Director of Student Ministries at Granger Community Church, and a friend. I've enjoyed getting to know him over the past two years, and look forward to more times of connection.

He has put up some great "parenting tips" from the perspective of a Youth Leader. This one is an absolute must-read...
Don't Expect Your Kids to Act Like Christians.

These are also top-notch:
How Student Ministry Can Help You
Something Is Probably Wrong

Relay Rules

In preperation for Sunday morning's message, I've been studying scriptures. I've also been student the USATF rule book... that's United States Track and Field, for those of you in the dark.

My focus has been on the rules for a relay race. The following (of the 25) points for relay races have been have been especially intriguing to me...

2. Each take-over zone shall be 20m long of which the scratch line is the center. The zones shall start and finish at the edges of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction.

12. The baton shall be carried by hand throughout the race. If dropped, it shall be recovered by the athlete who dropped it. He/she may leave the assigned lane to retrieve the baton, provided no other runner is impeded and provided that by doing so, the distance to be covered is not lessened.

14. In all relay races, the baton shall be passed within the take-over zone. The passing of the baton commences when it is first touched by the receiving runner and is completed the moment it is in the hand of only the receiving runner. In relation to the take-over zone, it is only the position of the baton that is decisive, and not the position of the bodies or limbs of the runners. Passing the baton outside the take-over zone shall result in disqualification.

24. All members of the relay team must be identifiable as team members. Team identification shall be clearly visible and shall distinguish one team from another. Where this is not accomplished by the meet's issuing items such as letters or distinguishing numbers, team members shall wear an identifying article, such as an identical singlet or shirt.

25. The baton shall be a smooth hollow circular tube made of wood, metal or other rigid material in one piece. Its length shall be between 28 and 30cm. Its circumference shall be 12-13cm and it shall weigh not less than 50g. No material or substance may be applied to the baton.

Why do these specific rules intrigue me? I guess you'll just have to come and find out.

Seniors: Underrated and Overrated

I've spent the past several Sunday Mornings with a group of our graduating Seniors talking transitions and next steps. One of the Sundays, we did a little exercise where I asked them to share one "Overrated" and one "Underrated" aspect in High School.

Overrated - Got really hyped up in their own mind or by others, and wasn't all that was expected.
Underrated - Didn't get hyped in the way it should have, because it was significant in the High School experience.

Here's what was picked followed by my paraphrase of some of the thoughts they shared...

UNDERRATED:

• Parents - the drama and conflict wasn't as bad as expected, and they are the most influential people in our life to this point.
• Teachers - the right ones made High School great. The wrong ones made it misreable.
• Marching Band - It was tough, and taught some incredible life lessons.
• Curfews - Made me disciplined in my sleep habits, and I think I stayed out of some trouble because I had one.
• "Drama" - Gossip, he said/she said, etc. is stupid, but it had a huge effect on me.
• Price of Lunch - It was such a good deal!
• Youth Group - It was so key in keeping me focused and encouraged.
• Summer Camp - I can't figure out why people choose to practice a sport or do other things instead of making this a priority.
• Rules of Parents
• Extra Curricular Activities - The time and emotional commitment and huge, and they really take a toll on you.

OVERRATED:

• Sports - A lot of stuff revolved around them, and I'm not sure they're that big of a deal.
• Writing In Cursive - They said it was so important, and I never use it!
• Senior Year (5 different students) - It was built up like it would be the greatest thing ever, and in the end, I think it was just another year.
• Basketball/ Football Season - Such a big deal made about showing school spirit, and coming out and supporting your team. It was taken way too seriously.
• Academic Excellence - If I learned it, isn't that all that should matter?
• Calculus - Am I going to use any of that stuff?
• Staying Up Late - All that happens is you wake up tired.
• Prom - The before and after stuff were a lot of fun, but the prom itself was really boring.
  

Youtubesday: This Wednesday Night: Splat Experience

I'm very excited about the event we are hosting at NMC tomorrow night (Wednesday). Our Connection Band will be partnering with worship painter Mark Eckel for a night where we will have the opportunity to connect with the greatest force in the Universe, our Savior.

As a part of the night, there will be a recording made for both CD and DVD. Mark will be creating a mural that is 24' wide and 10' high.

Here's Mark in action...

Coldplay Live Free Download

My Computer is currently downloading a free live album from Coldplay. They placed it on their website as a thank you to their fans. You can download it here.
(link love to Joshua Seller)

This Week

• Got a lot of copies of a certain book that I'll be sending out to people.
• Sydney Prenkert's 3rd Birthday Party.
  
• Splat Experience Wednesday Night.
• In the Box Sunday Morning... all about the batons!
• Yard work; bleh.

Friday 5: Baseball Sounds

Yesterday had a lot of what used to be America's game, baseball. Listened to the Cubs Game. Watched a T-ball game. Played Softball. Here's 5 sounds I love as a part of Baseball.

1. The crack of the bat - When I hear it, it's not just in my ears; I hear it in my soul.
2. The called strike - Every Ump does it in a different way.
3. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" - Especially at Wrigley Field and when my 3 year old neice sings it.
4. The cheering crowd - Whether it's a packed mlb stadium, a bunch of parents, or the team on the bench, it's a moment where you catch that this is a "together" moment. I like being a part of something bigger than myself.
   
5. The Ball snapping into the Glove - Can you hear it as you read that? I can.

My dad taught me how to bat, how to throw, and how to catch. The game is bigger than a game. I think I love it more than ever.

Sir Links-A-Lot

• Caleb is heading to Vanuatu (along with one of our grads, Kory) here.
• My brother talks (and slantly rants, in a good way) concerning the Summer Schedule for an educator here.
• Rob shares some great insights concerning Youth Sports & Parenting here.
• Corey gives a great review of the new X-Men movie here.
• The guys at Simply Youth Ministry post a new podcast here.
  

Vacation Time... Book #2... SEASON OF LIFE

When Walt Mueller was here, Jason Thompson asked him what books he would recommend that we probably haven't heard about. His recommendation was a book by Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter Jeffrey Marx.

Jason read the book while in Florida over Spring Break. He came back and bought several copies for people he thought would enjoy it. I was one of those people. After finishing Twilight, I picked up Season of Life. 48 hours later, I tearfully finished the last page. I have 15 copies ordered that I'm about to send out to people I think would greatly enjoy this book.

I can confidently say this is the best book I've read since 2008, and it is likely to land on my top 5 most influential reads for me.


The summary on the book's website says:

More than a quarter-century after they first knew each other as a professional football star and a ballboy for the Baltimore Colts, Joe Ehrmann and Jeffrey Marx once again crossed paths. The outcome was a remarkable journey through the greatest football season of all. It was really a season of life more than anything else.
Joe was now a white-haired minister who also coached high school football and ran a program called Building Men for Others. He was changing lives by teaching boys how to be men of substance and impact by focusing on relationships and a cause beyond themselves.
Jeffrey quickly realized there was much to learn from his old friend. But he never could have foreseen the gift of his own transformative experience. He never could have imagined that Joe would ultimately help him open doors to his own dad.

After laying down some basic groundwork at the beginning of the book, Marx dedicates a chapter to the football season followed by a chapter where he meets one-on-one with Joe Ehrmann. As a sports fan, it was just an enjoyable read. More importantly, as a youth minister, a father, a man, and a son of a recently deceased father, it stirred me deeply.

If you coach, teach, lead, minister to young men; or if you are a father, this is a "must-read". It was written in 2003, and I have no idea how such an insightful and profound book on investing in young men could have stayed off my radar till now. Go order it now, and read it. You won't regret it!

Polls: April 26-May12

ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY SUNDAYS (PER MONTH) DO YOU ATTEND A CHURCH SERVICE?

0	1 (1%)
1	2 (3%)
2	2 (3%)
3	9 (14%)
4	47 (77%)

Votes: 61

Faithful blog readers and poll voters, you are ridiculously above average if you have voted accurately.

ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY WEEKS (PER MONTH) DO YOU ATTEND A CHURCH ACTIVITY OTHER THAN THE MAIN WORSHIP SERVICE (IE SMALL GROUP, BIBLE STUDY, YOUTH GROUP, SUNDAY SCHOOL, ETC)

0	8 (15%)
1	5 (9%)
2	8 (15%)
3	3 (5%)
4	29 (54%)

Votes: 53

WOULD YOU SAY YOU WERE COMPLETELY HONEST THIS YEAR AS YOU FIGURED UP YOUR TAXES?

Yes	47 (90%)
No	5 (9%)

Votes: 52

IN THE MONTH OF APRIL, WOULD YOU SAY YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST HAS (CHECK WHICH EVER BEST APPLIES)...

Grown	21 (35%)
Stayed the Same	24 (40%)
Distanced	10 (16%)
Been nonexistant	4 (6%)

Votes: 59

Vacation Time... Book #1 - TWILIGHT

In January, during our You Fill in the __________ series, we took one night to talk about entertainment. Students could text in questions. One of the questions we received was, "Is the Twilight Series bad?" I knew the movie had come out in November '08, and knew it was a pretty popular book among teenage gals, but had no further exposure or awareness. I pleaded ignorance to the question and simply said I couldn't give any educated thoughts or opinions.

During the Walt Mueller seminar at the end of March, one of the parents asked a question about the books. Walt had read the first book and was in the process of finishing up the second. While he shared some thoughts, I noticed 5 of the Senior High gals who were helping serve snacks come out of the kitchen. They stood in the back of the room and seemed extremely anxious toward his every word. After some further discussion, I found out that that books and the movie had become extremely popular among the gals in our youth group over this past year.

So, I turned in my man card, picked up the first book in the series and read it during the first half of our vacation (I got some "kodak moment" looks from teenage girls around the pool as I read). It was 500 pages that I flew through - not because I just couldn't put the book down. It's just a really easy read.

I went in asking three major questions. Below are those questions, as well as my post-reading theories/opinions.

What's with the hype?
Upon a little more talking around, I realized this series has a following and devotion among some at the same level of the "Harry Potter" series. Why is that? I believe Stephenie Meyer has done a few things brilliantly to cause this frenzy among teen and tween gals.

• First, I think she's captured the emotional thoughts of a teenage girl extremely well. A few of the gals in our ministry have confirmed this theory when questioned. It's written in the first person by Bella, a teenage gal. I'm guessing that as a teen or tween (or even adult for that matter) gal is reading, she puts herself in Bella's clumsy shoes. As one gal told me, "By the third book, I was like, 'Okay that's freaky how much I think like that.'"
• Second, the vampire genre is a hot, and she's created a "safe" feel to it. So many of the vampire movies, books, etc. are gory, gruesome, highly sexual, and obsessed with blood sucking. It's all there, but much more tame than the 90's Anne Rice world. The real focus is on Bella (the mortal) and Edward Cullen(the vampire) figuring out how to "love" each other in the midst of this difference.
• Third, it hits a teenage girls romantic fantasy right in the bullseye. Edward is this mysterious, noble, protective, caring man who will do anything and everything to care for someone he "loves"... yet, he can't deny himself to the point of his "love" for her.
• Fourth, Meyer is a very good story teller. As any author who's going to create a buzz through pop lit (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Golden Compass, Left Behind, you name it), she's created likable characters, revealing some of their back stories, and leaving the reader wanting to know more.
  

Are they "bad"?
This is the common question I've been asked by both parents and students. I think the main focus in the question is because the series is about vampires, and aren't vampires demonic? I'm only one book in, and I've heard they get a little darker as they go... but I would say the first book was far from dark in the sense any satanic imagery or witchcraft. I would not put a heavy concern on the first book over the vampire angle.
Instead, my concern is very much on the romantic side. Much of Bella's thoughts toward Edward are the antithesis of what we desire to promote with the gals in our ministry when it comes to dating, sexuality, and romance. I think the book presents love as emotion and self-medicating (more lust, I'd say). Bella (from a broken home , currently living with a caring but distant dad) believes she's found the man she needs in order to be complete. It's the old Jerry Macguire "You Complete Me" mentality. There's just one slight problem with that mentality... it's wrong.
Janelle and I watched the movie this past weekend (talk about bad... bad acting, bad special effect, bad adaptation... it was terrible). One of the major critiques I've heard from Twilight fans is how poorly the character of Edward is portrayed on screen. Not beautiful enough, not noble enough, too harsh, or too cheesy. I wonder if this is not so much the actors fault, but the impossibility of bringing the "dream guy" that has formed in many of the gals mind to a visual reality.

So, are they bad? I would say the Twilight series has some positive themes interlaced, but I have a high level of concern on the romantic/dating/teenage "love" takeaway that could happen in a 12-20 year old gal.


Who should read it?
I don't know that anyone should read this (these) book(s). This is far from making my "must read" list. I don't know any reason reading this books will serve as a great benefit in anyone's life. Yet, I think there are those wanting to follow Christ who could read it and walk away with some insight, or at the very least entertained. So, who are these individuals?

• Let me start by remarking who I think should NOT read it. I would say it's a "no read"t o a Junior High or younger student reading.
  
• Proceed with caution to a Freshman or Sophomore.consider the emotional, spiritual, and relational maturity
• With a Junior or Senior, you're probably a little safer, but be ready for discussion.
• To a parent who has a child interested, you may say, "They are just too long to read myself." Don't go watch the movie in hopes you'll get a good feel for the books. Much is left out, and as I said, it's pretty painful to watch. The books are an easy. I easily put down 80-100 pages per hour when uninterrupted, and I'm not a fast reader. I would recommend a mom or dad reading it before their child, or along with their child if confident in her (or his, I guess) readiness. There could be some great discussions that come out of this book concerning love, identity, contentedness, father/daughter relationships, mortality, eternity, and many other topics.
  
• Dads, you may get a good insight into the thought life of your daughter (right now if she's a teenager, or down the road if she's not hit those years yet). Even if she hasn't or doesn't want to read the series.
  
• If your a youth leader who has gals who are choosing sides for Team Edward or Team Jacob, you may want to read. It could be good for you to open doors of conversation, as well as give you a little insight into the soup your kids are swimming in.

Finally, from more of a straight-up book reading critique. Stephanie Meyer is a great story teller, but I did find her writing style to be lacking. Several sections were jumpy, and other sections were ridiculously over-written. I really enjoyed the 40% of the book that was non-romantic plot development. The other 60% of romance was a bit stomach churning, but very insightful. If the book had been about 300 pages less (removing the 60%), I think I would have really liked it. I'm reading on not because I'm hooked, but because I see some great bus/van/amusement park lines discussions this Summer as a product of my reading.

Vacation Time.... The Movies

We caught 3 movies while in Florida...

I'm not a comic book guy. I love comic book movies. The X-Men have always intrigued me, and every one of the movies left me wanting more. This one did the same. I don't know what more I actually want, but there must be something (I'm not too tough to entertain).
I will say I loved the Gambit character. Always one of my more favorite X-Men just for the sheer ridiculousness of a guy who has the power to throw flaming playing cards.
My rating: Barely good.


I'd heard this was a great drama/murder mystery/ plot twist. While looking at our movie choices, we thought it showed some promise and gave it a try. We loved it. Great story line. Some enjoyable acting. We got what felt like a little "behind the scenes" view into investigative reporting and political power struggles. Ben Afleck usually makes me cringe as an actor, but I liked him in this one. He played his part well. It did have a great twist at the end to it all, but the ending was a tad abrupt. In the end, that didn't take away from what was a great movie.
This one will likely be in the dollar theaters soon, it it isn't already. It would be a great date movie if you're parents looking for a night away from the kids.
My rating: Great.



I love J.J. Abrams. It may be close to a man-crush. Damon Lindelof was a co-creator with Abrams and current executive producer on LOST. When I found out these two were going to take a stab at a new run for the Star Trek series, my hopes were pretty high.
They nailed it with this movie. To actually put new actors as characters that are so closely connected to Nimoy, Shattner, and others is tricky, and they did it without me trying to compare. The action and storyline was top-notch. It had me laughing throughout. Zachary Quinto (Spock) and Simon Pegg (Scottie) were especially enjoyable. Go see it. NOW!
My Rating: Fantastic!

And... We're Back... by the numbers

1 week.
1 Wife and 0 kids on the trip.
2 Nonstop flights; Ft Wayne to Sanford, and back (I love Allegiant Airlines).
1 Free Rental Upgrade (it pays to be nice).
2 Pools.
1 Lake.
6 New Restaurants.
2 Books.
3 Movies.
6 Puzzles.
3 Days at Universal Studios.
7 times on "The Mummy."
4 times on "Men in Black."
100% of our bodies soaked from the water rides.
9 years, the best years of my life.

10 years: The Next 10 years

So what will be different in the next 10 years? A few thoughts

• My wife is no longer my secretary. She has officially finished her time at NMC as the administrative assistant to Senior High. She is a stay-at-home mom now.
• I'm no longer cool. I'm okay with that.
• I went from friend, to big brother, to being seen as a dad. Scaring, considering I would have had these kids as a teenager if I was their dad.
• Youth culture is different.
• I was relevant for a season. Now I've got to fight to be relevant.
• Doing ministry single was different than married. As a dad, it's a whole different ballgame again.

Friday 5 +10 Years In: 5 Boo Yas!

Last Friday I shared 5 heartbreaks. With "5 Boo Yas" I'm highlighting students I've seen live out our mission of moving from "Religion to Relationship to Spiritually Reproducing". These are 5 of many stories, in no particular order:

1. Brad, Chad, and Justin: These three Fairfield boys came through our ministry. They were a hanful. Brad is currently the lead pastor at NLF Church (our Lagrange Video Venue), Justin is a youth Pastor in Dodge City, and Chad is the Youth HCC (our Mishawaka video venue). Here's their story on video we shot in May 2007.
   
   
2. David and Andrea: They met in our youth group, fell in love, and got married (after college, of course). What's more important is that these two loved Jesus before they fell in love. They still love Jesus and are living out the Kingdom here on earth in countless ways. Dave is ridiculously intelligent. Andrea is one of the most compassionate people I've ever met. Currently they reside in Mishawaka and are actively involved with Keller Park Church in South Bend where they are seeking to be agents of transformation in that community. I'm sure the path ahead will include a length of time in another culture as well.
3. Ben: Ben always doubted himself and his salvation, yet he continued to dive in with us during his High School years. Driving from Bourbon, he brought a lot of new students along with him by the time he graduated. Several of those students encountered Christ in a major way. I got a message from him on Facebook the other day letting me know he is working with a wilderness camping ministry, and may be heading to New Zealand in order to work with a Christian Environmental group.
4. Sara: Sara is currently ending her Sophomore year at Purdue. She is going into clothing design. As she's been at Purdue, she has gotten very involved with Navigators, a fanastic descipling ministry. She also is diving into the lives of students through Young Life. I just got a message from her on Facebook two days ago, that was very cool. She's pursuing God as she goes forward.
5. Alyssa: Alyssa is heading into her Junior year at Bethel and she currently works with our Junior Highers. This post she recently put on her blog got me fired up, and as I read it, I said to myself, "That's what it's all about!"
   

That's just 5. There are many more that could be highlighted, and that's what it's all about. Not just changed lives... but changed lives who are now reaching out to see more changed lives. I love what I do. I look forward to 10 more years!

10 Years: 10 Partnerships

10 partnerships in Ministry that have meant a lot to me over the years...

1. Terry Bley - Mentor, boss, friend.
2. Jason Thompson - Co-laborer and way more organized than me.
3. Chris Lehane - Jr High bud and breath of fresh air.
4. Cindi Lantz - Small Group guru and respected parent.
5. Brad Bullock - Student, Intern, and now Regional Partner.
6. Jeff Simpson - Small Group Leader and right hand man.
   
7. Caleb Bislow - He's Paul, I'm Barnabas.
8. Kristy Mikel - Student and now dependable Administrator.
9. Tom, Ryan, Alison, SOAR students - All Interns in this thing.
10. Janelle Prenkert - Hot, co-pastor, venting block, prayer warrior, secratary for a season.
    

9 Years

Today, instead of remembering 10 years of ministry, I remember 9 years of awesomeness.
On this day, I said "I do."
I'm glad she did too.

10 years: One Place

I'm really celebrating 2 different sides to 10 years. There's 10 years in full-time occupational minsitry, and 10 years at the same place. A while back, Andrew Whitehead asked me to do a post on how I've been able to stay at the same place for so long... here's a re-post of that.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Tenure... A Response to Andrew

Get ready, this one is long...
Former NMC student, new dad and all-around cool guy Andrew Whitehead made a request on his blog for some specific posts from several individuals in blogland.

His Topic for me... Why I've been able to stay in the same ministry for so many years when many youth pastors only last a couple

Well, Andrew, I didn't didn't go with that as my title (mainly because it could be the longest title ever), but here's my answer to Why...

I'm currently in my 10th year on staff as a pastor at NMC. Three years prior to that, I served as an intern. With the national turnaround in youth ministry world, youth pastor years kind of seem like dog years (1 human year=7 dog years).
As much as it would be nice to give you the one thing I've done to see this happen, I can't. The reality is that there are several key ingredients (some personal choices, some environmental) that have allowed me an incredible opportunity to invest in one church body for a length of time.

Here's 10 of them (I'm not sure if their in a particular order or not):

1. A Healthy Church. It would be a lot harder to stay if I were a part of a church that wasn't serious about living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. NMC is about making fully committed disciples, locally, globally, and regionally.
   
   
2. The tenure of my teammates. Consider the following...
   Dave Engbrecht (Sr Pastor) - approaching his 30th year
   Don Rohrer (Worship and Missions Pastor) - 24 years
   Joe Focht (Senior Associate) - 22 years
   Marvin Engbrecht (Associate, Care Pastor) - 18 years
   Terry Bley (Life Development Pastor) - 16 years
   Norm Reimer (Associate, Care Pastor) - 10 years
   Justin Lamason (Family Life Pastor) - 10 years
   There is a culture of long term commitment to the body here. That brings a stability that is not present at many churches. This has been key to my ability to stick here long term.
   
   
3. Team. Personalities are varied. We will disagree. We get frustrated with each other. Yet, we are all in this together. I'm even more blessed that I am a part of a team that is focused in on Student Ministries. I'm convinced ministry with others has been essential.
   
   
4. The "People Group." I believe that God has given me a specific burden and calling for what I'd call the "religious lost." It's those who have grown up in the church, know all the right answers, but don't know the life-transforming Jesus that this "religion" is all about. The region my church ministers in is full of these stories. It's been a perfect fit.
   
   
   
5. Navigating Significant Transitional Moments. There have been several moments and events (building transitions, job offers, key students graduating, etc.) along the journey where "moving on" felt like a good option. Wise counsel, an awesome wife, and seeking the heart of God over my own feelings and flesh have helped me go larger than the moment. I could write post after post on those significant moments (maybe I will some time)
   
   
6. Vacations: Janelle and I have made it a point to regularly get away.
   
   
7. Freedom to engage with the Church Globally: NMC has, with guidelines and accountability, allowed me to speak at outside engagements, connect and partner with parachurch organizations, and given me opportunities around the world (India, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Dominican, and maybe Africa soon).
   
   
8. Continued Challenges. Every year there are new opportunities. New hills to be climbed. Because some of those hills have been climbed, I'm now at mountains. It goes back to the church and team I'm a part of, and it just hasn't come close to getting boring yet!
   
   
9. Not buying the lie. I think it's a lie that caused more casualties than anything else. It's that little thought that says, "I am the key to this." Whether it's a specific program, the entire youth ministry, or the spiritual well-being of a student, I am convinced is the number one killer of youth ministers is the Messiah Complex. Who am I kidding? At times, I'm pretty sure a chimpanzee could come in and run this thing because of the quality of teammates, parents, and most importantly BY FAR the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. HE is KEY. Often, the times I have nearly burnt out is where I have thought I was the one changing or not changing lives, or I was the one the success of failure of this ministry was dependent on.
   
   
10. Janelle. Sorry to be sappy, but my eyes got a little teary as I wrote her name down. Ministry can beat the crud out of you. I know far too many spouses of ministers that have allowed the bride of Christ to make them bitter toward Christ himself. When we were married, Janelle embraced her own calling into this thing. She is a rock and prayer warrior. She stands strong for me and stands strong with me. It hasn't just been me. WE'VE battled through the questions and heartbreak together. WE'VE rejoiced and celebrated God's goodness together. Without Janelle, would I still be at NMC? No way. I'd take it a step further and say I probably wouldn't be in ministry without Janelle!

Youtubesday and 10 years: The Frontstreet Boys

One of my prouder video creations is the Trilogy of Frontstreet Boys Videos that we have created...

10 years: 10 Places

10 Places I doubt I would have been without the past 10 years at NMC :

1. Calcutta, India.
2. Beulah Beach Camp in Vermilion, OH.
3. Standing on a Stage in Toledo, OH dressed up as "The Crocodile Hunter".
4. Pucallpa, Peru.
5. Juarez, Mexico.
6. Toronto, Canada.
7. Old Yankee Stadium.
8. Fishing on Lake Wawasee.
9. A week long vacation on Dewart Lake.
10. At the computer I'm typing this post from.
    

10 Years: Valuable Lessons

Here's several lessons I've learned about Youth Ministry condensed into one sentence thoughts:

• It's all about Relationship.
• Some of the things that make you a great youth pastor will likely make you a poor professional.
• The best youth pastor will have minimal impact on a student in comparison to any parent.
• He's God. I'm not. Get those two mixed up, and you're in trouble.
• I can't compete with MTV's marketing, but i can compete with how MTV cares.
• Messages do make an impact, but I've got to remember they won't likely remember them.
• Overnighters are overrated.
• You can accomplish major spiritual victory on retreat.
• You can only fight so many battles at once. Choose wisely.
• Nobody will take responsibility for your own soul and spiritual growth if you don't.
• Say No to good things so you can say yes to God things.
• A key to good youth ministry is being funny in your own mind.
• Another key to good youth ministry is A.D.D.
• The greatest gift you can give to students is your own intimacy with God.

Friday 5 + 10 years: Heartbreaks

5 major Heartbreaks I've dealt with in the 10 years I've been Youth Pastor:

1. Facebook Photo Albums: They graduate and move on. I pull open a facebook album and see the red cup, the pasty eyes. Or I see the scantily clad Spring Break photos with captions like "I kind of remember that night" or "I'm glad I brought protection".
2. The Voicemail: I returned from India to get a voicemail from a "concerned parent" who was upset over something very miniscule. The voicemail proceeded to last about 2 1/2 minutes as I found out where our priorities were out of whack, why nobody wants to come to our youth group, and why they changed churches. Voice mail done. No name, no way to really figure out who it is. The heartbreak wasn't that I felt like a failure, the heartbreak was that this mom had so missed the point.
   
3. The Attendance Roster: We'll regularly sit down and clean out our attendance rosters of students who no longer attend. We remove way too many who've decided they don't have time for a Church body to tie into.
4. The Parents Who Chose the Broom: This one has played out multiple ways at multiple times. The girl who started having sex with her boyfriend. They guy caught at the party and facing a sports supsension. The girl talking to mom and dad about getting molested as a child. Mom or Dad, or even Mom and Dad decide it be best to just do everything to keep it quiet over dealing with the situation at hand. Image trumps efforts toward restoration. Grab the broom and brush under the rug.
5. Chris: He was an 8th grade student when I first got here. I remember I had a real desire to see him connect with God. The last time I talked to Chris was his Senior year, and he was all excited about moving to Indianapolis with his brother and earning a bunch of money. 3 months later, he was brutally murdered in a drug deal gone wrong. It was the first funeral I ever did.

Why would I start with this? Because ministry is filled with disappointment and heartbreak. It's a reality you face. It can easily be taken personally, but as I told a group of Bethel students two weeks ago, the only disappointments and heartbreaks you should take personally are your personal failures. The others are outside your control.
They still hurt, but I'm grateful I've got the Almighty Creator as a partner in this thing.