So a little bit of my own church history: I went to the local Alliance Church in my hometown from when I was very young until about three years ago. At that time, there were some things going on in the church, conflict issues and other things that I did not pay attention to at my rebellious age. We then went to the Alliance Church in the next town, and I continued to go there right up until I started the Kalèo program.
Looking back with the knowledge that we gained through our Church Ministry course, I can definitely see many things that I appreciate from the Churches that I have been a part of.
When I was growing up in the Hythe Alliance Church my parents ran the Awana kids club, and as I grew older I started helping counsel in that. Upon reflection I have noted that it was really cool how the Alliance Churches from Beaverlodge and Hythe worked together, sharing responsibilities and areas of focus. Both had young children's groups, but Beaverlodge Alliance focused much more on high school and junior high youth groups, and that was an interesting thing that I noticed.
I also really love how it is such a small town church, everybody knows everybody else and that community aspect is really cool. It is awesome to be able to see someone from Church during the week and interact with them outside of the Church setting. I have found that those sort of interactions really help build those friendships that are much deeper than those based on solely the Church environment.
That being said I still find The Meeting Place as an absolutely amazing church, I am just reflecting on the positive differences that one can see when they compare the different communities side by side.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Online Ministry Journal Number Four
So over the past couple months I have had the chance to minister in both my Church and at Juniors and Junior High retreats. The experience I have gotten while being an Allstar here at Camp Qwanoes and being a Kidz Place have been pretty great. Since I have been working almost exclusively in ministry with kids around ages 5-13 it has been a really new experience, mostly because the kids are at that age where they are best influenced, and have the most interest in God and Jesus.
At The Meeting Place in Nanaimo the way our kids ministry works is each volunteer comes for one week a month, with Janelle and I basically being the only exception. This has given me a great chance to see how many different leaders work together for the benefit of all these kids. The way that our director Rebecca organizes the classes and the team as smoothly as she does is definitely a gift from God. In fact, all of the other volunteers that I work with show their God-given gifts while we all work together for the Good of Gods kingdom. One specific example that God has shown his hand was when Rebecca was talking about the number of volunteers that our Church has for the year, she had said that several people who were scheduled to be in the Kidz Place had become unavailable several weeks before she heard that there were Qwanoes students who would be helping out on Sundays, so she said it was cool to see God working to provide for the Church in that way.
At Qwanoes, I can echo many of the things I have already said in regards to seeing the spiritual gifts I those I work with come to fruition at the retreats. But i would probably add that being an Allstar and helping on the challenge course has definitely been a highlight of my time here. Although even though I feel like I'm having more fun than the kids sometimes it is still an awesome opportunity to minister to them during the fun stuff we do.
"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4
At The Meeting Place in Nanaimo the way our kids ministry works is each volunteer comes for one week a month, with Janelle and I basically being the only exception. This has given me a great chance to see how many different leaders work together for the benefit of all these kids. The way that our director Rebecca organizes the classes and the team as smoothly as she does is definitely a gift from God. In fact, all of the other volunteers that I work with show their God-given gifts while we all work together for the Good of Gods kingdom. One specific example that God has shown his hand was when Rebecca was talking about the number of volunteers that our Church has for the year, she had said that several people who were scheduled to be in the Kidz Place had become unavailable several weeks before she heard that there were Qwanoes students who would be helping out on Sundays, so she said it was cool to see God working to provide for the Church in that way.
At Qwanoes, I can echo many of the things I have already said in regards to seeing the spiritual gifts I those I work with come to fruition at the retreats. But i would probably add that being an Allstar and helping on the challenge course has definitely been a highlight of my time here. Although even though I feel like I'm having more fun than the kids sometimes it is still an awesome opportunity to minister to them during the fun stuff we do.
"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Online Ministry Journal the Third
So far in Kaléo, we have been taught such great values through out classes, our out trips and through observing the examples of our awesome leaders. I think the leadership aspect of the Kaléo program is having a profound effect on us, the students.
So far, I have observed and been told many excellent characteristics that a leader needs to have. There are always the main ones that anybody typically thinks of when thy hear the word "leader"; confidence, resolve, charisma, strength - but some characteristics that we have been shown go deeper than this. In OLd Testament Literature, in the book of Isaiah, Prof. Don Taylor showed us three defining characteristics that a King should have. They were leadership, the ability to be a good warlord, and servitude. It was extremely profound for me that servitude was a characteristic a king should have; it didn't fit with any description of a king I had ever heard. But the verses didn't just refer to how kings should be, it was essentially a description of Christs character. Because Jesus is the perfect example for Christians to follow I thought it was awesome how our OT Lit course really related to him.
Personally, I find the idea of servant leadership really hard to wrap my head around. The other characteristics I find pretty easy to follow, since they are pretty much common-sense.
An example of when followed the characteristics of leadership well would probably be during the filming project. I feel like I used my gift well, was led and leaded in a productive way, and helped in any way I could. These are only my own observations, so I am probably being a little vain, but even recognizing that in myself I realize is a good part of being a leader.
A time when I didn't embody the good characteristics was during my first time serving at my church in The Kids Place. I pretty much just hung out in the background, not really getting involved in any activities or discussions. Now I feel like if I am hesitant about getting involved or anything like that I just need to give it all up to God, and be led by Him without any hesitation.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
- Jeremiah 29:11-13
So far, I have observed and been told many excellent characteristics that a leader needs to have. There are always the main ones that anybody typically thinks of when thy hear the word "leader"; confidence, resolve, charisma, strength - but some characteristics that we have been shown go deeper than this. In OLd Testament Literature, in the book of Isaiah, Prof. Don Taylor showed us three defining characteristics that a King should have. They were leadership, the ability to be a good warlord, and servitude. It was extremely profound for me that servitude was a characteristic a king should have; it didn't fit with any description of a king I had ever heard. But the verses didn't just refer to how kings should be, it was essentially a description of Christs character. Because Jesus is the perfect example for Christians to follow I thought it was awesome how our OT Lit course really related to him.
Personally, I find the idea of servant leadership really hard to wrap my head around. The other characteristics I find pretty easy to follow, since they are pretty much common-sense.
An example of when followed the characteristics of leadership well would probably be during the filming project. I feel like I used my gift well, was led and leaded in a productive way, and helped in any way I could. These are only my own observations, so I am probably being a little vain, but even recognizing that in myself I realize is a good part of being a leader.
A time when I didn't embody the good characteristics was during my first time serving at my church in The Kids Place. I pretty much just hung out in the background, not really getting involved in any activities or discussions. Now I feel like if I am hesitant about getting involved or anything like that I just need to give it all up to God, and be led by Him without any hesitation.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
- Jeremiah 29:11-13
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Online Ministry Journal #2
Well than, apparently I have been here at Kaléo almost exactly a month. And that is crazy.
So, as I stated in my last journal entry, I have been going to The Meeting Place for the past few weeks, and things are going quite swimmingly!
Me Janelle and Jim have all had some excellent opportunities to build some ground level relationships with many people who attend and work at TMP. In regards to intentional connections with youth and children, I would have to say I haven't really had any opportunities to talk or interact with many past the surface level. I think part of this is because we are just starting out, but also because we are involved in only the friday fun night youth group, and not the Wednesday Bible study. Although I do enjoy playing games on Friday nights, and I understand that in Kaléo we have a fairly time restrictive schedule, I feel like I am missing out on a lot of spiritual growth that is happening in the kids that I see on Fridays.
The Sunday morning service goes a little differently though. I typically work with kids who are in grades 2-6, and the time I have with them is quite short. One thing i really like is the way TMP leaders organize our Sunday school plan; each week I receive an email that contains the entire lesson, along with anything I need to be prepared for and everything. I have found this incredibly helpful, because it allows me to be in the right mindset as I am walking into the Kids Place, preparing to help with a lesson.
With regards to pastors and other leaders in our church, I have been mostly connecting with the youth pastor. Jordan and his wife Jen are fairly new to the pastoral role at TMP, but so far they have done awesome! Each Friday that I have seen them organize has ended up providing a safe environment where kids can come to have fun and be active. I feel quite confident in my connections at our church, but I am still looking forwards to building stronger and deeper relationships with many others with whom I haven't yet talked to.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more ad you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-26
So, as I stated in my last journal entry, I have been going to The Meeting Place for the past few weeks, and things are going quite swimmingly!
Me Janelle and Jim have all had some excellent opportunities to build some ground level relationships with many people who attend and work at TMP. In regards to intentional connections with youth and children, I would have to say I haven't really had any opportunities to talk or interact with many past the surface level. I think part of this is because we are just starting out, but also because we are involved in only the friday fun night youth group, and not the Wednesday Bible study. Although I do enjoy playing games on Friday nights, and I understand that in Kaléo we have a fairly time restrictive schedule, I feel like I am missing out on a lot of spiritual growth that is happening in the kids that I see on Fridays.
The Sunday morning service goes a little differently though. I typically work with kids who are in grades 2-6, and the time I have with them is quite short. One thing i really like is the way TMP leaders organize our Sunday school plan; each week I receive an email that contains the entire lesson, along with anything I need to be prepared for and everything. I have found this incredibly helpful, because it allows me to be in the right mindset as I am walking into the Kids Place, preparing to help with a lesson.
With regards to pastors and other leaders in our church, I have been mostly connecting with the youth pastor. Jordan and his wife Jen are fairly new to the pastoral role at TMP, but so far they have done awesome! Each Friday that I have seen them organize has ended up providing a safe environment where kids can come to have fun and be active. I feel quite confident in my connections at our church, but I am still looking forwards to building stronger and deeper relationships with many others with whom I haven't yet talked to.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more ad you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-26
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Online Ministry Journal #1
Alrighty, so this is my first attempt at any sort of documentation of what goes on in my head, here goes I guess.
I arrived in Victoria at noon, over two weeks ago. When I stepped off the plane, my mind was completely not understanding what was going on. Up until now I had never left my small home in Hythe for any time longer than a few weeks. I stumbled through Victoria, took a bus to the Schwartz bay ferry, and successfully found my car (which had been delivered for me by family friends a few days earlier).i then oriented myself with the GPS and proceeded to make my way to Camp Qwanoes. That day I met many new people, shook many hands, and forgot many peoples names. In all the turmoil, I had the sense that God had brought me to exactly where I should be; a feeling of peace settled over me. My first impressions of Kaléo were absolutely amazing; a small community of believers, led by the strong team that is the Camp Qwanoes staff.
In the days that followed my arrival, I had a chance to actually learn the names of the 21 young men and women that I would be spending the next 8 months of my life with. During those few minutes of small talk, God put upon my heart the realization how awesome this opportunity truly was! Gathered here were 22 young adults from all over Canada, strangers except in Christ. Here, at this small island camp, we will grow in Christs community together, helping one another when we stumble and encouraging one another in our successes. Needless to say, the first impression I had of my fellow students was truly amazing.
Orientation continued quickly after the first days of Kaléo passed by, and the students were given the full rundown of all of the ministry opportunities that we will have throughout the year, including which church we would be going to. Along with students Janelle and Jim, I am going to The Meeting Place in Nanaimo. This church, which takes places in a movie theatre and under a coffee shop, was described to me as a church that reaches out to non-believers, providing Spiritual guidance in an environment that is easy for anyone to go to. The church's congregation is approximately 30% non Christian as I was told, so all in all this was a very new and exciting experience for me, since my church back home was very small and mostly traditional. But Janelle, Jim, and I were welcomed very warmly, and promptly assigned to areas where our particular skills would be of best use. I was placed in the kids program, and in the short time I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. Ministering to young kids has been something that I have helped with in the past, counselling at camps and after school kids clubs, so I was quite glad God provided this opportunity for me.
Overall an awesome first few weeks, I've already come to know my fellow students as almost my family, and I am eagerly looking forward to what the rest of the year will provide!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
I arrived in Victoria at noon, over two weeks ago. When I stepped off the plane, my mind was completely not understanding what was going on. Up until now I had never left my small home in Hythe for any time longer than a few weeks. I stumbled through Victoria, took a bus to the Schwartz bay ferry, and successfully found my car (which had been delivered for me by family friends a few days earlier).i then oriented myself with the GPS and proceeded to make my way to Camp Qwanoes. That day I met many new people, shook many hands, and forgot many peoples names. In all the turmoil, I had the sense that God had brought me to exactly where I should be; a feeling of peace settled over me. My first impressions of Kaléo were absolutely amazing; a small community of believers, led by the strong team that is the Camp Qwanoes staff.
In the days that followed my arrival, I had a chance to actually learn the names of the 21 young men and women that I would be spending the next 8 months of my life with. During those few minutes of small talk, God put upon my heart the realization how awesome this opportunity truly was! Gathered here were 22 young adults from all over Canada, strangers except in Christ. Here, at this small island camp, we will grow in Christs community together, helping one another when we stumble and encouraging one another in our successes. Needless to say, the first impression I had of my fellow students was truly amazing.
Orientation continued quickly after the first days of Kaléo passed by, and the students were given the full rundown of all of the ministry opportunities that we will have throughout the year, including which church we would be going to. Along with students Janelle and Jim, I am going to The Meeting Place in Nanaimo. This church, which takes places in a movie theatre and under a coffee shop, was described to me as a church that reaches out to non-believers, providing Spiritual guidance in an environment that is easy for anyone to go to. The church's congregation is approximately 30% non Christian as I was told, so all in all this was a very new and exciting experience for me, since my church back home was very small and mostly traditional. But Janelle, Jim, and I were welcomed very warmly, and promptly assigned to areas where our particular skills would be of best use. I was placed in the kids program, and in the short time I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. Ministering to young kids has been something that I have helped with in the past, counselling at camps and after school kids clubs, so I was quite glad God provided this opportunity for me.
Overall an awesome first few weeks, I've already come to know my fellow students as almost my family, and I am eagerly looking forward to what the rest of the year will provide!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
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