Many Christians tend to criticize decisions made by teens and others while at a youth conference or during a spiritual high moment. They claim those decisions are not valid.
This criticism is typically a self defense mechanism where the Christian making this claim feels guilty as they don't see fruit within their own lives. It's easy to simply dismiss what God is doing in the lives of teenagers as insignificant if it lets you off the hook.
Decisions at the Momentum Youth Conference matter! Just ask my friend Zach who gave his life to Jesus six years ago at Momentum. He graduated with a degree from Bible from Grace College, preaches as an interim pastor, and is working on his Master's Degree. His life was forever changed at Momentum.
Decisions for Christ matter. Period.
Here is what God did in the lives of our teenagers at Momentum:
1. 5 first time decisions for Jesus!
2. 22 rededications for Jesus!
3. At least half of the group confessed and broke the bonds of sin issues within their lives!
4. We spent an afternoon in the Noblesville, IN downtown community trying to impact people for Jesus. Our teenagers cleaned up trash, prayed for people, and even stopped an oncoming train to pray with the conductor. People stopped members of our group multiple times asking why so many people were walking around downtown which opened up doors to share the gospel!
5. It became evident that our group is ready to take big steps concerning the future growth of our youth ministry. They agreed that we need to be more outward focused and they want more ownership within the youth ministry. I can not WAIT to see how God uses the spiritual momentum of this week to kick start our fall ministry! We had the largest group at Momentum with 104 teens/adults and we are poised for even more physical and spiritual growth!
On a personal note I continue to thank God for the way the Momentum Youth Conference allows me to connect and share with people.
1. I had an opportunity to teach a Power Trax on Finding and Discerning God's Will for Your Life. My youngest brother led in worship through a closing song. It was a powerful moment as many teens took time to reflect and clean their hearts. On top of that, it was a blessing to partner with my youngest brother in doing ministry!
2. I had the opportunity to connect with many former students who are now youth workers. My legacy lives through them.
3. I had the opportunity to connect with many other youth workers and talk about youth ministry. It's a joy to impart wisdom and advice to help others advance the kingdom.
Here is a picture of our group praising God for all that he did during our outreach afternoon in Noblesville, IN!
Decisions for Jesus always matter! Always!
After a powerful confessional time at youth group we prayed for those who made commitments that they would remain strong in Jesus!
I do not get to see my family enough. It was a joy to do ministry together with my little brother during a Power Trax session.
These are some former students of mine who are now youth workers. With them I am well pleased!
Just a fun selfie with some teenagers that attended my Power Trax. Youth ministry matters!
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