Musings of a Youth Minister

Ohana Empower Training & why you should go to the one coming to your town by  CASSANDRA SMITH I had been anxiously and dare I say compulsively logging in to see the training events status update so I could register for the Empower training coming to our island. As the Life Teen Coordinator in our military community I had been plagued by the sinking feeling that I am not equipped for this responsibility, and thought TRAINING is the key. Tricia Tembreull was coming to Hawaii! I leapt for joy! Arriving with my notebook and pen, I was prepared to collect the how to-s and check lists for changing what I am doing to make our Life Teen better…what I didn’t expect was that it is so much more than a check list… Communicate effectively, the Holy Spirit succeeds, pray more than you plan, and focus on relationships-the Ohana.  It does seem written this way that it appears to be a list but bear with me. I imagine many of the people attending this training were feeling m...

Core Recruitment -A Fairy Tale? Volunteers needed Here a volunteer needed, there a volunteer needed, everywhere a volunteer needed. We all know the challenges of keeping volunteer numbers steady in the transitional life of a military community. In most churches, the many are supported by the few and it isn’t a rare experience to browse the bulletin and find the same names under various ministries. We all know that more hands would be ideal but this is often a difficult goal to fulfill. Even the Cool Kids Even Life Teen ministry, in all its vibrancy, finds itself announcing, “volunteers needed!” What is the reason we sometimes struggle to fill specific CORE positions? There are many answers for this. I found one while looking in the mirror. Mirror, Mirror, I Am Too Old Peering at myself, I examined my wrinkles and that new little age spot on my left cheek and thought, that’s funny…I don’t remember getting older. I looked into my own eyes and felt fear bubble up in my ...

Launching Jesus in a Military Community by  CASSANDRA SMITH A flurry of excitement, nerves, and energy abound when a military community is moving toward change; especially when it involves our youth. When we adults look back to our time as young persons, most of us feel a sense of nostalgia for the energy and fortitude we once had, the intensity with which we felt, and the fearlessness with which we approached many things. These are some of the reasons those of us who participate in youth ministry find ourselves so invigorated working with young people, it harkens us back to a time that we were more attuned to our world, the people next to us, and less on the demands of adult life. Of course, youth ministry has its challenges, and it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, much like our youth. There are ups and downs for sure. But when God calls you to a ministry like this, and your eyes are on Him, you can’t help but feel akin to the young people you serve. That is why...

European Training Conference in Barcelona: Life Teen at Work by  CASSANDRA SMITH My My My Barcelona Barcelona: a city that encapsulates the richness of an ancient history with modern flair and vibrancy from art and architecture to exquisite food may have a new surprise in store. A spiritual revival that has its own unique texture and foundation is in the making. That movement was born in a place a little distance from the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona. It had its humble beginnings in Mesa, Arizona. That movement is none other than Life Teen. Life Teen as a Catalyst Life Teen is a catalyst for more diverse and profound encounters with Christ all over the world. Those of us who have been engaged in a Catholic culture that involves Life Teen likely will not find the depth, energy, and dynamic environment in which the Holy Spirit chooses to reveal Himself a surprise, but for the rest of the world; take notice. God willing, your city may be next. What is so Dif...