So it begins....

In September of 2008, I was a Youth Director at a church in Crafton, PA. That gig did not last that long and the moment I left that ministry, I became weary about what exactly I was supposed to be doing.

In that same month, I attended a PKN (previously known as PYN) meeting, where Pittsburgh youth ministry people would be to gather information about upcoming events and connect with one another. This was the second time I attended a meeting, but this time I was seeking opportunities. I began playing pool with what appeared to be "veterans" of Youth Ministry, Mike Koepfer and Larry Betencourt. I spilled out my heart about the woes of my first ministry experience and they listened intently to my cries. Then Mike says to me, "why don't you come hang out at my youth ministry for a while." And then so it began...

I have been with New Community Church for well over a year and a half now working as a Graduate Intern. I have already experienced a ton of craziness and unforgetable memories. But today I begin as the Middle School Program Director. This is an opportunity that I could not pass up. I have already engrossed so much time into these kids lives to impact them for Christ that it would be senseless not to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. At some points during the past year and a half I wondered what fruit would come of all this time and effort put into this ministry. I wondered if this would be something I just did every Thursday night forever. I wondered if I would ever get the chance to devote all of my time to this. In the parable of the talents, the Lord gives small amounts of money to particular individuals. This money is entrusted to them so that although they would be faithful to hang onto it, that they also may make something more of the little they have been given. I believe that this is where the Lord has said to me "Since you were faithful with few things, I will make you ruler of many things." (Matthew 25:23) I thank the Lord for this opporunity. His grace is the reason why I am here, and His grace is the reason why I am able to do the things I can do while I'm here.

This blog will be committed to the daily activities of all things youth ministry. If what I have experienced in such a small amount of time is any indication of the craziness to come, stay tuned folks, get ready for one wild ride. Come join me on my journey into the world of Middle School Ministry!