Every Wednesday evening in April (2nd-30th) 18 students plus Audrey and I have been, and will be, meeting on campus to discuss issues surrounding spiritual leadership. It was really encouraging for me to see the great response as we invited people to consider coming to the class. The 18 students represent close to half of the students we have regularly attending bible studies and College Life events.
We using a book called "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders to guide our discussions, but we hope it will mostly be used to spark discussion. We've had two meeting already and our third one will be tonight. The last couple went really well, it's been great hearing what they have to say in the discussions. We've asked each of them to take a chapter from the book and lead the class in a short discussion on that chapter, so it's been cool to watch them as they lead the class, see their style and what they find important. We've also had them write a one page reflection each week on one chapter of their choice from the reading, and that may be the best part as Audrey and I get to read what they are struggling through as they read the book and think about what it might mean to be a leader.
A common theme in their reflections so far has been that they never really saw themselves as a leader, or ever really becoming one, but now they are realizing that their perception of what a leader is was too idealistic and that it may be possible that God could use them to lead in His kingdom by serving others (which is what leadership in God's kingdom is all about).
Please pray for these students that they would take to heart the things God is teaching them about what He desires for their lives to be about.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Ordination Exam- Passed!
Thanks to those of you who prayed for me this past Thursday. I definitely felt the Lord's presence during the exam. I was still nervous, but it turned out to be a great time together with the pastors and ministry leaders that were there, and I felt like I didn't embarrass myself much at all. It was encouraging to hear their feedback afterward as they encouraged me to really take hold of the calling that I have and go for it.
It's a bit of a strange feeling being on this side of the exam that I had been working toward for so long. There's a sense of relief that it's over, excitement for what comes next, and a little bit of a let down not having that big thing to work toward. But most of all it's humbling to watch what the Lord is doing in my life, and see confirmation from those in ministry already. I hope and pray that the Lord keeps me faithful to the work to which He has called me, and that I hold on dearly to the one who has called me.
For now, it's time to catch up on all those things I put off while I was studying. =)
It's a bit of a strange feeling being on this side of the exam that I had been working toward for so long. There's a sense of relief that it's over, excitement for what comes next, and a little bit of a let down not having that big thing to work toward. But most of all it's humbling to watch what the Lord is doing in my life, and see confirmation from those in ministry already. I hope and pray that the Lord keeps me faithful to the work to which He has called me, and that I hold on dearly to the one who has called me.
For now, it's time to catch up on all those things I put off while I was studying. =)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Ordination Exam tomorrow!!!
The day I've been studying for the last 4 years will be here tomorrow. The day where I stand in front of 20 or so pastors and ministry leaders and field questions as they try to determine that I am called and prepared for the ministry. My brain feels full of information, and yet doesn't feel full enough. But I also know that it's not mainly about knowing information, but it's about being confident of the call that God has made on my life, and trusting Him enough to follow Him where He leads. I am excited for it to finally be here, and I'm also anxious that I'll forget things, not know things, or just answer poorly. I am so grateful to God for this opportunity and pray that He is glorified through it.
Please pray for me if you have the chance. The exam is Thursday April 3rd at 3:30pm Pacific Time. Thanks so much!
Please pray for me if you have the chance. The exam is Thursday April 3rd at 3:30pm Pacific Time. Thanks so much!
Monday, March 24, 2008
The hope of the resurrection
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus was much more poignant for us this year. On Wednesday of last week we found out that one of the guys who had been coming to our young adult fellowship since the fall had passed away suddenly at work. He was in his twenties and worked at Pixar as a storyboard artist. He had a heart transplant when he was 12, but had been doing great and no one saw it coming. He brought an amazing amount of joy and life to our community, we were so blessed to have him around for the time he was here. I personally wish I had gotten to know him better and enjoy the amazing person God created him to be.
So it was with this at the forefront of our minds that we came to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord. It brought comfort to us knowing that Justin is now with Christ, which is better by far (Phil. 1:23), and that the hope of the resurrection awaits him, and us, when Christ returns. We are still sad and miss him dearly, but thankfully we can mourn as those who have hope of better things to come.
I hope and pray that the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection and the hope of our own resurrection has hit home for you this Easter season as well! May we learn to put our lives in perspective as David did in this psalm:
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus was much more poignant for us this year. On Wednesday of last week we found out that one of the guys who had been coming to our young adult fellowship since the fall had passed away suddenly at work. He was in his twenties and worked at Pixar as a storyboard artist. He had a heart transplant when he was 12, but had been doing great and no one saw it coming. He brought an amazing amount of joy and life to our community, we were so blessed to have him around for the time he was here. I personally wish I had gotten to know him better and enjoy the amazing person God created him to be.
So it was with this at the forefront of our minds that we came to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord. It brought comfort to us knowing that Justin is now with Christ, which is better by far (Phil. 1:23), and that the hope of the resurrection awaits him, and us, when Christ returns. We are still sad and miss him dearly, but thankfully we can mourn as those who have hope of better things to come.
I hope and pray that the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection and the hope of our own resurrection has hit home for you this Easter season as well! May we learn to put our lives in perspective as David did in this psalm:
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Friday, March 14, 2008
Has worship lost its luster?
"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
I was reminded tonight of the joy of just being in God's presence singing praises to Him along with brothers and sisters in the Lord. I remember during my college days at Cal soaking in every opportunity to worship, even creating them with "Dorm Praise," a weekly gathering of any interested parties at the Clark Kerr dormitory to just sing worship songs until we felt like stopping. I remember a church in Sacramento that used to have huge Sunday evening worship times for college students, several hundred would attend. Perhaps they still go on, I just haven't been around. At Cal, Interpraise used to overflow the capacity of First Pres., and if you didn't get there a half hour ahead of time you had to sit in the balcony or outside. Now most people seem to show up a half hour late, and the pews are sparsely populated.
I really am in no position to judge whether things are going up or going down as a whole. These are just observations I've made in my minute corner of the universe, and it's caused me to wonder, can worship lose its luster? And it's brought me first to ask myself if I have made it my chief aim lately to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I think I try to consider how I am serving the Lord each day, and of course always come up short. But it seems a more difficult thing to really stop and delight myself in the Lord simply for who He is. But surely a life lived in service to Him must start with a heart enamored with Him.
May my heart be such a one, and may more and more hearts turn to Him, and overflow in worship.
Steve
I was reminded tonight of the joy of just being in God's presence singing praises to Him along with brothers and sisters in the Lord. I remember during my college days at Cal soaking in every opportunity to worship, even creating them with "Dorm Praise," a weekly gathering of any interested parties at the Clark Kerr dormitory to just sing worship songs until we felt like stopping. I remember a church in Sacramento that used to have huge Sunday evening worship times for college students, several hundred would attend. Perhaps they still go on, I just haven't been around. At Cal, Interpraise used to overflow the capacity of First Pres., and if you didn't get there a half hour ahead of time you had to sit in the balcony or outside. Now most people seem to show up a half hour late, and the pews are sparsely populated.
I really am in no position to judge whether things are going up or going down as a whole. These are just observations I've made in my minute corner of the universe, and it's caused me to wonder, can worship lose its luster? And it's brought me first to ask myself if I have made it my chief aim lately to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I think I try to consider how I am serving the Lord each day, and of course always come up short. But it seems a more difficult thing to really stop and delight myself in the Lord simply for who He is. But surely a life lived in service to Him must start with a heart enamored with Him.
May my heart be such a one, and may more and more hearts turn to Him, and overflow in worship.
Steve
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Studying like mad
Ordo Salutis, expiation, Immutability, antinomianism, hypernomianism, verbal plenary inspiration, define God.
These, and other such fun terms and questions make up my review for my ordination exam coming up on April 3rd. The topics vary from Bible Knowledge and Application to Theology of God, Christ, Salvation, etc. to Church History, and practical ministry like counseling and evangelism. Not only do I need to know the stuff, but I have to be able to say it clearly and succinctly in front of a group of 20 or so in response to their questions, which I'm not totally sure what they are going to be.
Definitely great fun! But seriously I am enjoying this review and solidification of my foundation for entering ministry. Although I have to say I am a bit anxious about how it will go, so I would appreciate your prayers. Audrey will be grilling me on my flash cards over the next 3 weeks so pray for her too that I don't get too annoyed with her. :)
I'll keep you updated on how it's going. And see a post about our honeymoon below!
Steve
These, and other such fun terms and questions make up my review for my ordination exam coming up on April 3rd. The topics vary from Bible Knowledge and Application to Theology of God, Christ, Salvation, etc. to Church History, and practical ministry like counseling and evangelism. Not only do I need to know the stuff, but I have to be able to say it clearly and succinctly in front of a group of 20 or so in response to their questions, which I'm not totally sure what they are going to be.
Definitely great fun! But seriously I am enjoying this review and solidification of my foundation for entering ministry. Although I have to say I am a bit anxious about how it will go, so I would appreciate your prayers. Audrey will be grilling me on my flash cards over the next 3 weeks so pray for her too that I don't get too annoyed with her. :)
I'll keep you updated on how it's going. And see a post about our honeymoon below!
Steve
Monday, March 3, 2008
Honeymoon in New Zealand!
"The land of the long white cloud" In the native Maori language that is the name they gave to New Zealand when they discovered it. Audrey and I spent two and a half amazing weeks flying, driving, hiking, kayaking, caving, and boating through this, the most beautiful country I've ever been to.
It was the ultimate vacation as we were able to leave all our worries behind and just relax and enjoy ourselves. I can't remember the last time I was able to really leave everything behind and just chill out. It was awesome! *And* we got to share it with each other, of course the best part!
A couple of our most memorable days were back to back days where we hiked for 10 miles along gorgeous sounds the first day and then kayaked 10 miles along the coast with amazing coves and islands the second day. After exploring some caves the next day we took a few days off and rested, it wasn't that crazy of a honeymoon!
We couldn't have imagined a better beginning to our marriage, and we only hope and pray it is a sign of things to come!
Here's a couple of our favorite pictures from the trip, and a link to many more:
It was the ultimate vacation as we were able to leave all our worries behind and just relax and enjoy ourselves. I can't remember the last time I was able to really leave everything behind and just chill out. It was awesome! *And* we got to share it with each other, of course the best part!
A couple of our most memorable days were back to back days where we hiked for 10 miles along gorgeous sounds the first day and then kayaked 10 miles along the coast with amazing coves and islands the second day. After exploring some caves the next day we took a few days off and rested, it wasn't that crazy of a honeymoon!
We couldn't have imagined a better beginning to our marriage, and we only hope and pray it is a sign of things to come!
Here's a couple of our favorite pictures from the trip, and a link to many more:
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| Honeymoon |