Get a grip

I want to start by saying that we are raising up some incredible young leaders, like Timothy and Titus, at Faith. Yesterday, just days after arriving back from Indiana, Andrew, Emily, Marco, Miranda, Sue, and I packaged over 6,000 meals. Heidi, Adeline, and Malachi showed up to help polish off the last box for a total of 6,270 meals, more than double the previous one day record. The youth are really passionate about Faith Feeding the Future.

Two phrases grabbed me today:
It's important that a church leader...
#1. Have a good grip on oneself.
#2. Have a good grip on the Message.

Even Emily, the only one not confirmed in the bunch, is on our Youth Team. They are all leaders, by example, in the LYFE Group. There is power where there is passion. Hopefully, one day soon, some of our youth will be blogging alongside of us. Since coming back from the mission trip, many of them are reading the Bible daily.

The above "requirements" from Paul seem to have the cart in front of the horse. If the Message grips us, we'll experience radical life change. While self-control is the last fruit of the Spirit, it seems that surrendering to God the control of our lives is the first step. Then the Spirit can move us and our church in the ways of God.

Look for a new sense of purpose in our youth, especially those who attended the trip. I have already heard from a few others that they are coming with us next year. Our goal is to have 25 youth and adults from Faith and another 25 from within the New England Synod. Please encourage folks you know at other churches in the area. Point them in my direction and I'll fill them in one the details. Maybe we'll charter a coach bus...