A couple suggestions: don’t read the following books; Revelation, Hebrews, Leviticus, Numbers, the Prophets until you have spent some time in the Word and feel comfortable tackling some tougher books. I would recommend starting in one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) or even Genesis to get your feet wet before moving on. Mark is the shortest Gospel and you may want to start there so you quickly can say you finished a book. Momentum will be the key in completing this but don’t get discouraged if things are hard at first but in the end it will be much easier.

Use whatever technology, tools, or Bibles you have available to help you complete this challenge and don’t worry about taking notes or anything like that. The goal is to have you connect with God through His Word and learn the discipline of Bible reading. If you have any questions please text, call, Facebook, or ask me.

Praying for you all on this journey and hope you will take me up on this challenge.

Be God’s,
Jeremy

Looking for the latest calendar of CREW activities? You don’t have to wait anymore as the January 2012 edition of the CREW calendar was made available last night during CREW Lifeline. If you didn’t receive your copy or did not make it to CREW please download a copy of the file. However, just a couple things I want to highlight from last night.

Parent Seminar is coming up on January 14, 2012. We will be answering some important questions like: when will my teen grow up? What is “normal” teenage behavior? How can I be a better parent? Is anyone else struggling with ___________? The day will be geared to not only answer the questions but provide a time when you can encourage each other and learn what has been working in another family before deciding if it is something worth trying with your own. Cost is only $5 per person and includes lunch, workbook, and light breakfast items. I need to know if you are coming by January 11 in order to get enough food and information copied off. The seminar will begin with light refreshments at 9:30am and end at 2:00pm.

The CREW is also having their annual lock-in on January 15-16 and includes an outing to The Web in West Chester, activities at the church, food, and another late night activity (most likely Glo Bowling). Cost for this evening is $25 per person and includes the activities and a t-shirt. You can download the permission slip from http://www.facebook.com/CREWMinistries and going to the event found as you scroll down on the wall feature of the group. While you are there make sure you “Like” the page to stay on top of the CREW each and every week.

Lastly, remember that being a light for Jesus means you must behave in a way that others see you are different and then tell them why you are different when they ask. Just like in a dark room you a little light goes a long way and the same is true for you.

How are you being a light for Christ? What are some suggestions you want us to know about being a light? Love to hear from you and see you on Sunday.

Be God’s,
Jeremy

But, we must admit that talking is much easier than it is to act out our Christian faith. It is not that we forget to act like a Christian but I believe we just don’t realize how we do not look any different than those outside of the church. Over the past couple years of ministry I have noticed the continual “blending” of Christians into the broader culture and read many studies on how Christians look, think, and act no differently than those who do not claim to believe in Jesus. I think it is time for us to return back to a period, book of Acts, when Christians were recognized by what they did, and not just the Truth they proclaimed. We are encouraged by Paul in Colossians 4: 5, “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; making the most of every opportunity” (emphasis mine). It is time for the church to stand out because of our love, compassion, and grace we extend to others as well as the truth we proclaim. It is not an either/or discussion but a both/and approach to sharing the Gospel.

With this in mind the CREW will be working hard to have at least one CIA project each quarter to share the Gospel with our actions and not just through our words. The first CIA project will be November 10 and 12 as we help out with the Upward evaluations at church. November 10 the evaluations begin at 6:00pm and will be completed by 8:30pm and on November 12 it is from 10:00pm until 12:00pm (noon). This is a two-hour commitment to help share the love of Christ to those children and families who will participate in Upward Basketball and Cheerleading. This is a great practical way to live out Colossians 4:5 and the love of our Lord.

Let’s take this challenge of Scripture even further and ask ourselves this question: what are we doing as families to show the faith we say we possess? I realize that the CREW may do its best to instill a sense of servant hood and provide the opportunities in order to help those in our church, community and world but we cannot do this alone, we need the help of families. So I want to know how does your family help others by your actions? What are some ideas you have for the CREW as we look to serve others with our CIA projects? Looking forward to reading your thoughts and suggestions.

-Jeremy

Yet, as I look at my the CREW Ministry I see that at times we have failed to effectively partner with parents and families to help them accomplish the task God has given them: raising their teens with a solid faith and becoming a secondary influence. So I want to know parents: How can we help you influence your teen for the Lord? What can the CREW do that would be meaningful to you? What topics do you feel is important that your teen learn in the upcoming year?

As the leader of the CREW I take serious our role to help the family be the primary place of spiritual growth. I also understand the teenage years are rough for parents and teens alike. My job as your youth pastor is not just to be there for your teens, though this is a big part of what I do, but also to help you be there for your teens. My heart is to help families grow in their walk with God.

Hopefully with your suggestions the CREW will be hosting some events for parents, possibly parent and teens, in the future. Your input on what would be most beneficial for you is greatly appreciate. Do you need training? Just want a place to connect with other parents? Learning from those who have been there? No suggestion is too small or large. Please leave comments concerning your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas.

Serving you as you guide your teen,
Jeremy

I particularly mention this message because it plays into the heart and vision of the CREW Ministry.  We want to help students become Disciples of Christ but we realize that this responsibility means we must partner with families, parents, siblings, and others to create a team.  The CREW cannot accomplish our mission and vision without the family, and larger church community.  Parents cannot expect their teenager to become a solid Christian by just leaving everything up to the youth ministry, youth pastor, youth leaders, or even the church community at large.  Yes, we will be vital in helping your teenager grow and mature but we are not the “primary” shapers; you are.  We will provide the extra people to mentor and help lead your children to Christ and a deeper faith; that is our promise to you.

This point is made very clear in Deuteronomy 6 when Moses is telling the people how to have strong families.  Not once does he mention it is the whole nation’s job to teach the laws and commands of God.  Instead he repeatedly mentions how it must start in the home, with the family.  However, I have noticed in my 10 plus years of ministry that in America the shift has gone from the home being the primary place of spiritual discussion to the youth ministry.  At the same time, I have noticed that those students, who have both, generally are more mature in their faith.  This does not mean that some students can’t mature without discussions at home but it is the exception to the rule.  Could this be one reason why Christianity in America has become what it is?

But what about those who grow up in non-Christian homes?  This is where the youth ministry becomes vital but then it is only a part.  Any good youth ministry must point teenagers to the larger church body where other disciples can help to model and deepen their faith.  In the larger church many individuals can step into the role that may be lacking at home.  We must provide mentors and role models that will take the extra time to show what being a Christian looks like.

As I prepare for a child in my home, due June 16, Aleesha and I have already told our son how much God loves him and what the Bible says.  Yes, it is strange at first to speak to him in the womb but can it really start at any better time?  I think not!  This is the first of many conversations but what is important is that faith discussions must be a part of “normal” family life, not just something that happens on certain days.

As part of a community of faith called: First Baptist Church Hamilton; I want to know what you think.  How do you live out this message each week?  What can the CREW Student Ministries do to help you in this venture?  Students how do you initiate this conversation with your parents?

Praying for us as a community to rise up a new generation for Christ,
Jeremy

Lastly, if you are on facebook please “like” the CREW Student Ministry page here and stay on top of the latest information and calendar issues. As always this email will be put on the church website so you can always find out the latest thoughts on the CREW and our community.

Even though we had a lot of fun we also talked about how because we are created by God we have value. Our value is not because of what we do or do not do but because who God is and what he has done for us. We started in Genesis, moved to Psalm 139, on to Jesus in John 3:16 and finished with the promise of Revelation. This was a challenge to some and later conversations helped to make it “real” for them. This is why we do the Lock-in: to help students know there is a group of people, FBC and God, who cares about them and loves them for who they are.

Thanks for all who prayed, helped out, and send their student. Also, we had quite a few scholarships given to those for this event and if you would like to give to help out please let me know. We use our CREW budget for this event so please don’t worry about it.

If you would like to see photos please find our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/CREW-Student-Ministries/147594568611631 or by clicking on the “facebook” button on the side.

Loving teens with God’s love,
Jeremy

In my article last month I started to talk about the “New and Improved CREW that will begin on January 19. If you don’t remember what was mentioned in that article, lost your Courier, or recycled your Courier since then please visit www.firstbaptisthamilton.org/student to read the article.
The questions that now must be answered is this, “What will the new and improved look like?” And, “Why is this necessary?” It is my goal to answer both of these questions in this short space but I do encourage you to ask me any questions you may still have. I also hope to flesh out this article on the CREW blog found at the above address in the next couple weeks as well.
The first question is probably the easier of the two to explain and understand. Starting on January 19 we will be splitting our Lifeline time between our 7th and 8th graders (Jr. High) and our 9th-12th graders (Sr. High). Each will have a unique and own Lifeline time but it will be held on different days. For instance, Wednesday nights will be the Lifeline night for our Jr. High CREW members while our Sr. High CREW members will be in their small groups. Starting on Sunday January 23 our Sr. High CREW members will experience Lifeline while our Jr. High CREW members will be in their small group. The only difference between the new and improved CREW and our current set up is what we offer on which ministry night. Both our Jr. and Sr. High students will have Lifeline and small groups, just maybe not on the same night as previously.
This also means we will need to start on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm so we can spend time together as one large CREW family (both Sr. High and Jr. High together) so we do not lose our connectedness. On Sunday nights we will be starting at 5:30pm to do the same thing; intentional time of CREW connectedness and hang out time. During these large group times we will be able to give announcements and participate in activities while allowing our younger CREW members to connect with older CREW members and vice versa.
The second question is one that we CREW leaders prayed hard about and challenged each other. In short, we believe by going to this new format we will be able to better disciple and engage our students in their faith. It allows for a more pointed and intentional ministry to occur because of the differences between Jr. Highers and their Sr. High peers. It is because of our desire: to help students grow in their relationship with Christ, encourage Christ-like relationships with others, and find their place in the Church by the time they graduate high school that propels and motivates this decision.
We believe this allows us to accomplish our mission and vision more effectively, efficiently, and biblically. It is also our desire to be obedient to where God is calling, and how God is asking us to minister, to students at First Baptist Church for this season. This does not mean we weren’t doing well before but that we feel God is asking us to go on this path for this time.
We also know that this format works well for the school year but during our summer months the CREW will be one large group for our weekly gatherings. Also, know that we will be even more intentional about our large group times and what we need to provide so that all CREW members see themselves connected and the unity of the CREW is not compromised.
So what does this mean for you? As parents we hope you will encourage your teen to actively be a part of the CREW and invite their friends to do so as well. We hope that you see how valuable this will be for your family and help to keep your teenager actively a part of the CREW. Hopefully, it will help your teenager grow and mature in their faith as well. For the church members without someone in the CREW this means that you can know the CREW Ministry is being intentional on how to reach students for Christ. For teenagers this means you will have time for just your respective age group allowing more pointed conversations on the issues important for you.
Lastly, I hope you will pray for the CREW leaders and me as we follow the will of the One who called us to minister to His teenagers.

Be God’s,
Jeremy

However as we start to improve our ministry we must realize there will be some things that cannot be improved on.  First off, the Word of God will not, cannot, and must not be “improved” because it is God’s Word alone and did not and does not originate with us.  2 Peter 1.19-20 states, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  The CREW will also give the Word of God as the only source of authority and life.

Secondly, we will always be about relationships.  Regardless of the format and ‘how’ we do CREW ministry relationship with students, their families, Christ, and the larger church will be emphasized.  We will make sure there is appropriate and sufficient time for our students to interact with others and the larger church.  The CREW will always remain a part of the larger picture and strive to connect our students into the church not just youth ministry.   In improving how we do ministry we are able to create better environments where life-changing relationships with Christ can be formed and deeper and healthier relationships with peers can also be developed.  Solomon while writing Ecclesiastes reminds us “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (3.12).  We are creating more effective ways to strengthen our students.

Lastly, we will always reach out to other teenagers in our lost and hurting community.  The CREW has been and will continue to find ways to try and share the love of Christ with others because we realize that being a CREW member means sharing God’s story, as seen through our life’s, with our peers, classmates, family members, and neighbors.  The new CREW ministry will be providing better ways to help our students share their story.  Whether this is comes in the form or targeted events, more pointed lessons and conversations, or providing more caring adults it is because we realize that our mission is not just to the church kid but to those who have yet to interact with the church.

Ready for the new and improved CREW Ministry?  The CREW Leaders and I are but the implementation of what God has told us in still a month of so away.  I hope you will eagerly wait and anticipate how much better things will be when things happen in January.  As one of my favorite songs, God of This City, proclaims: “Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city. Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.”

Be God’s,
Jeremy