10 Questions Answered . . . and then some

1. What cause you to 'get back into' blogging/What took you so long to post again on your blog? Peer pressure? Guilt? Message from above? (Combo from Aaron Zehr & Mark Davidhizar)

It was so much the peer pressure as to the comments that people made to me saying "I wish you'd blog more, I like the things you have to say" or "I think you've got some cool stuff to say so write it on your blog". In all reality, I find it hard to determine what to write down or event what this blog is for. Is it for me? family & friends? ministry? all of the above? Still trying to define that one but trying to keep updating as I feel led instead of updating to update.

2. How has life changed since Kara was born? (from Nicole)

Dramatically. It's fairly difficult to have a day off and watch both girls by myself and try to get any "me" time. Sleep patterns change on a daily basis. Spreading the love to 2 girls and Rose and finding time for all of them can be tough. Despite the changes, I love being a dad of two girls. . . still praying and hoping someday for a boy!

3. What qualities must your future son-in-laws possess? :) (from Megan)

Thanks for making me think about this one Megan. Well, if I don't scare off my future son-in-law with my soon to be massive knife and gun collection, these would be some qualities that my future son-in-law would have to have:

a. Passionate follower of Christ
b. Loves my daughters more than me (that will be a tough one)
c. Funny (gotta have some qualities like her dad)
d. Athletic (or at least loves basketball)
e. Honest
f. Man of integrity
g. Wise with money
h. Will be the spiritual leader my daughters and grandchildren need
i. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO UPDATE THESE QUALITIES AS THE TIME DRAWS NEARER TO WHERE MY DAUGHTERS WOULD DATE AND/OR FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.

4. In your eyes, what does discipleship look like for a junior higher compared to a senior higher and older? (From the Tom)

I'd say that discipleship in Jr. High is about getting students to take baby steps and realize that they have value and can make a difference. Obviously with Sr. High and above you can have more deep and meaningful conversations but if you can get Jr. Highers to see how valuable they are and that they can impact the world for Christ . . . it makes them stronger and better Sr. Highers. Jr. High and early is the best place to start planting those seeds about necessary life disciplines as they seek to be a passionate follower of Christ.

5. Where/what is your favorite vacation spot/activity? (From the Tom)

My favorite vacation spot had to be Maui, Hawaii on our Honeymoon. Not just because it was on our honeymoon but because it was just so beautiful and Rose and I were able to relax and enjoy every minute of it.

Favorite vacation activity, had to be going to Disney on 2005 for the first time and enjoying all the amazing things to do there at each park.

6. Who has been your favorite NMC intern? (hint hint). :) (From the Tom)

Sorry to disappoint you Tom or take the easy route out but I'd have to say that every intern I've worked with, whether Jr. High or Sr. High, they've all been amazing. Each person had different qualities and characteristics that made them each unique. I'd have to say that I'm blessed to have spent time with each one . . .including you. I've loved the conversations, time to mentor and do life together, to learn together, grow together and love God together.

7. What is your favorite song right now and why??? (from Alyssa)

Reign In Us by Starfield. I really love these guys and they usually have at least 1-2 great worship type songs on there CDs. I love the words and can't stop playing it enough. I'm hoping to introduce it in one of the venues I lead worship in soon so stay tuned.

8. What's your biggest fear? (From Kirsten)

That someone I love and care about deeply will die without having accepted Christ. That truly would break my heart and I am fearful of this everyday. Although my ministry is hear, my heart wanders back home from time to time each day wishing that I could be there to tell my loved ones about the Great God I serve but praying that someone will be His hands and feet there while I try to do the same here.

9. What made you go into the Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)

I was heavily impacted by amazing youth leaders that I had growing up in Jr. High when I first came to hear about a relationship with Christ. Thanks to them (Frank, Terry, Cheryl, Donna, Jeremy, Chris) I am the follower of Christ that I am today. More than that though I felt a distinct calling from God at 3DYC in 1998.

10. Why Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)

This kinda goes with #9. I saw the impact that my youth leaders made on me and the dedication they had to help change the lives of students. I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to do with my life but also had confirmation from God and a calling at 3DYC.

11. Do you plan on staying with Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)

Unlike some people that only do Student Ministries for a short time until they are able to step into a Sr. Pastor position, I've only felt called to work with students in some way, shape or form. I've learned never to say never when it comes to God but at this point I don't feel any calling towards being a Sr. Pastor. I love hanging with students, talking with them and helping to point them towards Christ.

12. Why Nappanee? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)

Great question. Honestly, I don't know why other than God has appointed this time and season for me in ministry. I never ever thought I'd be working at Nappanee. I've always loved the church, had an interesting story about the first time I ever heard about Nappanee that I can share another time, loved the guys on the student ministry staff but always felt underqualified to ever work at NMC. All I can say is that as I look back at my ministry path and even my time in college I can see God's hand leading me to NMC. I have and still am growing while serving here. I love the teammates I work with, the students I minister to, the volunteers I get to interact with and look forward to many great days ahead. I thank God almost daily for allowing me this opportunity.

13. What is the best way a parent can encourage their teen/children to get close to God without turning them from God? (Parent of a Jr. Higher)

I think the best way to do this is keep an open dialogue with your student. Let them know that you might not have all the answers but you want to help them find these answers. Being authentic is key but also living out your own pursuit of Christ in front of them is key as well. Although I didn't have this growing up, now that I have my own kids I desire so much to show them what a passionate pursuit of Christ looks like. I, too, don't want to force Christ upon them but want them to see in me that relationship with Him so that they might desire that for themselves. Ask questions after student ministry events about what they learned, how God spoke to them, what they're struggling with, what you might be able to help them with or keep them accountable on. Creating an environment where your student knows that they can come to you without being judged is a great place to be and opens lines of communication to speak truth in love.

Thanks everyone for the questions. If you have more throw them out. I'll answer them as they come in and not wait this time for 10. Thanks to all who read. I love your comments and encouragement to blog. I'll try not to let you down.