In trying to keep “balance” between the 7 facets of my life, I decided to become a small group leader at my church…for 4th graders! Oh man, what have I gotten myself into?!?! The program is called “Upstreet” and it is so awesome. I wish I had something like this when I was younger…
On UpStreet, we believe the Bible should never be boring, worship can be really loud and good leaders always care. Before kids head off to middle school, we want to make sure these three things stick… 1. I need to make the wise choice. 2. I can trust God no matter what. 3. I should treat others the way I want to be treated. What’s funny is, I originally wanted to volunteer in an area I was most comfortable in, which was the production department. I went to the orientation, and when it came time to actually “sign up,” they told me they were completely full. What happened next was kind of a blur, because I think if I were to have sat there and thought about what I was actually doing, I probably wouldn’t have signed up for fear of not being able to be the type of leader that is expected of me. They asked me, “want to be a small group leader instead?” I said yes, and told them “4th graders” (with hopes that I could get an edge up on what type of conversation/situations to expect for my daughter who will be going into 3rd grade this coming monday). I’m glad I decided to go through with this, because already the feel and support from the “coaches” and the rest of the small group leaders seem to have such an awesome focus on the ministry, it really helps for the rest of the team to really focus on their jobs, and not worry about anything else. I’m also glad that this is moving me back to my original ministry “roots,” with youth. It’s been some time since I’ve spent time with children or teens in church. After having my own (2 and a 3rd on the way), I thought I wouldn’t have any patience for anybody else’s children. I’ve forgotten how much I love working with them. I of course credit “48 days” to helping me find that desire that I had lost focus of when I became career(money)-driven. This all to help create the balance I had also lost, with hopes to be the husband/father/provider I had always dreamed of being. As I type this I’m getting more and more excited about meeting my small group this sunday, I just hope I can get them as excited to come back every sunday!
