Graduates!!

This Sunday we will recognize our High School Graduates!! They have been an incredible class and I will miss them tremendously. As they prepare to move on to bigger and better things I am excited but also a little worried. Statistics continue to show that between 75 and 85 % of graduates who faithfully attended church during their teenage years will drop out during their college years. That stat blows my mind and breaks my heart.

Why do so many fall away and how many of my faithful students will fall away from church and God?

There are so many different theories of why this happens, some people blame Youth Pastors, some blame the College Ministers and BCM Directors, some blame parents, and some blame the graduate. But I think the number one reason is simply CHANGE. A college student either goes away to another city, in which they have to find a new church, new friends, and new life. Or they stay in the same city where they move from one ministry to the next but may land amongst a totally different group of people in church than they had been around the previous year.

We need to bridge the gap and all work together. BCMs, College Ministries, Student Ministries, and parents all need to continue on the journey with the Graduate no matter how far away they move. Whether it's a phone call, a lunch, or cup of coffee, we can still make a difference in the life of the graduate. We have to change the statistics, or our churches will one day be empty.

New Orleans Mission Trip

All High Schoolers at FBC Brandon, time is running out. The New Orleans Mission Trip is just 3 weeks away. Be sure to get your money in before it's too late. It's going to be a great trip. Hurry!!

VBS

Vacation Bible School is a huge week for our church. Our Children and Preschool Staff do an incredible job of putting this all together. They are expecting over 1,400 children to be involved this year. If you are in the Tampa area and have children or know of any children that might be interested the dates are June 15-19. You can get more information at our church website www.fbcbrandon.org

Francis Chan

I uploaded some videos of Francis Chan on my video bar. I have really enjoyed listening to him over the past couple of years. Check him out.

Learning From the Best

Today I'm flying out to Memphis, Tennessee and heading to Bellevue Baptist Church. Phil Newberry is the Youth Pastor there and I have always had a ton of respect for him. I asked him if I could come up to see what they do just to learn, grow, and dream. I'm really looking forward to this trip. It is so important to me to continue to learn as much as I can so that I can become better at what I do. I never want to get to a point where I think I have everything figured out. I can definitely always improve. This trip is going to cost me some personal money and personal time, but I believe it will pay for itself in many ways.

Great Grad Gift

This time of year we're all trying to find good Graduation presents for the grads in our Student ministries, families, or for friends. Instead of getting them a key chain or a fancy pen why not get them something that can really make an impact in their lives.

Do Hard Things was written by 2 teenagers Alex and Brett Harris. I just finished going through it with one of my students and we both loved it. It's a challenge to teenagers to overcome low expectations and do something great for God while they're young.

You can also check out their blog at http://www.therebelution.com/

Elevate Student Ministry

I just got back from a meeting with some of the best Student Ministers in Florida. We met for 24 hours to develop a new curriculum to help new Student Ministers navigate through the ups and downs of ministry without getting burned out. I'm really excited about the impact this could have on Ministers and students all across the State. The guys involved in this project are:
Don Minton - FBC Pensacola
John Sanders - Celebration, Tallahassee
Raul Hernandez - Westside, Gainesville
Brad Smith - FBC New Port Richey
JJ Johnson - FBC Indian Rocks
Kevin Van Duser - FBC Naples
Eulie Brookins - Church of Hope
Todd Carr - FBC Callahan
Paul Turner - Lifeway
Jeff Hessinger - Florida Baptist Convention
Keith Harmon - FBC Orlando
Chad Reeves - FBC Orlando
Sean Vickers - Westside, Jacksonville
Jeff Stockdale - Hibernia, Green Cove Springs
Jay Gibson - FBC Daytona Beach
Nick Stoyer - Eastside, Orlando

Multiply Your Influence

Tomorrow I will be going to First Baptist Church of Orlando to meet with some of the best Youth Pastors in Florida. We will be meeting to create a new curriculum to help new Student Ministers navigate the world of Student Ministry. This effort is being led by a good friend of mine, Jeff Hessinger. More and more my heart desires to help others rise up and serve the Lord with all their heart. I am so grateful to those that have given me a chance and poured into me over the course of my life. I am praying that this time will impact people's lives for generations to come.