BOLD Ministry

When I was asked to speak to the youth in our church, it challenged me, but I said hey, it's an opportunity. Well for 2 weeks I did, and I must say that it is a learning experience. It is a different skill to speak from a podium as opposed to facilitating a bible study. I didn't feel I did so well (we always compare ourselves to our favorite speakers, aka Tim Keller)

When the Youth Pastor told me that she was impacted by the 2 messages, and that she 'stole' the notes I left behind, I said to myself...I didn't think that I was that good. She then kinda praised the content and told me she used it at her first parent youth meeting. Not knowing what this meant, I just thought, OK.

Since I do communication work at our church, she forwarded to me a testimony from the 2 week series: Life: It's a Team Sport. I now get it!

I am starting to understand that as believers we have a ripple effect. You want people to be 'stealing' your material. Taking it for themselves. Whenever someone steals an approach, a behavior, an attitude, a phrase or an action, it's a Ripple. Some people have big Ripples, others smaller Ripples. Whatever the size, it is the effect that we are after.

Jesus came and lived in only one country, for 33 years, mentored 12 men, and yet he had a seismic ripple. It was because Jesus, The Rock, understood the Ripple Effect better than anyone in history.

Scripture calls us living stones, and it does so not only because we are part of a solid foundation of God's kingdom but because God sometimes likes to take us in His hand every once in a while and throw us into the waters of situations.

Sometimes these Ripples are acts of kindness, and sometimes they are acts of war, spiritual war. Look at David. He took 5 smooth stones, but it only took one stone to take down Goliath. Sometimes winning in Life only takes one smooth stone... but with it comes the Ripple Effect.

So look around and see who is 'stealing' your material. If they are not, start making it 'stealable.' It all comes down to the size of your Ripple.

Ripple anyone?

Make it a BOLD day.

TESTIMONY
Our son, Ryan, had mentioned that we were invited to a family night being hosted by the youth group. We had no idea what that meant, and we showed up to give our support. We are so glad that we went. We've attended New Life for 12 years and our sons grew up in this church. We have always heard how great Zola and Craig are and how well they build into the youth. We have heard it from pastor Pete, from our sons, and from many others. This is the first time, however, we really experienced their ministry first hand.

We walked into the youth room (or should I say dungeon - can't wait until this is remodeled for them) to a lot of noise. The teens were really enjoying each other and they were trying to set up for food and worship. After a while Zola gathered us together in a circle. She asked us to sit with our kids and then she talked to the youth about how their parents were a part of their team. Eventually she had us pray for our kids and our kids pray for us . It was a special moment.

As the evening went on, we had a time of worship together along with Zola sharing more about the team concept and how the teens should not disregard their parents . Then we enjoyed a raucous game together and ended the evening. It was an important gathering that opened our eyes. Instead of hearing what is happening in the basement - it was nice to be included and have a first-hand encounter with the youth and their leaders. I encourage all to check it out. What a great group of people who really love the Lord and give sound, Biblical teaching to our kids. Thanks for the invitation. Let's do it again some time!