Refocus and Restart

As we launch into the fall I can’t help but think of how this seasons brings everything back to reset.  For some reason this season feels like we get a fresh start, the slate is wiped clean and we can refocus and rethink on how and why we are doing the things we are doing.   This is a big week for many youth ministries in our country.  Big kickoffs, lots of youth filling back into our youth ministry programs, many returning and many checking it out for the first time.    As I’m sitting here preparing for our kickoff tomorrow I came across a chapter in the book of Psalms that helped me refocus on the mission of reaching youth with the life transforming message of Jesus.   The author of this Psalm is urging the people of Israel to pass on a love and trust for God to the next generation that they would stay in relationship with God and not rebel against Him.

Psalm 78
4“tell the next generation of the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. 6 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.  That they would not be like their ancestors – a stubborn and rebellious generation whose hearts were not loyal to God.”

In this era of new beginnings and fresh starts I pray that we as youth pastors and leaders would refocus on the mission of why we do what we do.   That God is urging us as leaders to pass on the message of Jesus to the next generation with passion, authenticity and relevance.   Don’t just do a program this school season but rather feel the passion of Christ well up inside of you to tell the next generation of the good things He has done.   Exemplify the authentic life transforming power of Jesus in your everyday life and be focused on passing that on to the next generation we serve.