Remembering the Important Things

I have to be really honest with you (which comes as no surprise to those who know me).  There are times of serious frustration in my life.  Frustration with the system I was born into, raised in, and now work for.  A system known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As I drove to Myrtle Beach, SC, a few weeks ago, I had conflicting thoughts.  IGNITION had been a breath of fresh air last February in Dallas, TX.  Would the sequel offer more of the same, or leave me wishing I had stuck with the original?

I had recently sat through three days of ministers’ meetings where I had heard more about how to minister to postmodern young adults.  The information was right-on.  I just get frustrated (a common thread) at all the talking.  I like to see action.  I want change and while technically a Gen X’er, I resonate with Dr. Tim Elmore’s description of Gen Y—‘I want to change the world, and I want to do it in a year’ (or less).  Change doesn’t seem to happen like that, though.

I realized several things while in Myrtle Beach, however.  I realized and was reminded that change is happening.  Change that is bringing increased health to our church.  There are some really amazing people working to bring about positive change, too.  Reconnecting with my colleagues reminded me of why I do what I do.

This was the most significant piece for me right now.  I realized that I get so focused on how “the system” needs reformation, I lose sight of the people.  I can’t see the trees for the forest, you might say….

God has called us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  That is the foundation of young adult discipleship, transformation, and ministry.  I don’t know how it is for you, but I lose sight of those two commandments so easily.  I forget so quickly that it is simply about loving well… loving God, loving others.

IGNITION, take 2, turned out to be an incredibly rich and valuable experience.  A much-needed reminder of what ministry is all about:  relationships with an amazing Creator God, relationships with those whom I do life everyday. Glacial movement happens over an extended period of time… and I can trust God to bring it about in His timing.

IGNITION @ 2009 Adventist Ministries Convention

IGNITION at the 2009 Adventist Ministries Convention was a whirlwind of worship, wonderful fellowship, and worthwhile presentations.  Like a collection of snapshots, I’m finding it easier to show you glimpses than to translate the awesome moments into words.

Dr. Tim Elmore of Growing Leaders, shared how to Understand and Unleash Generation Y to a packed room.  I was most impressed by the astute and poignant questions from the attendees, who were eager to develop relevant relationships with new generations.  Dr. Elmore made special mention of how he enjoyed being with leaders so hungry for wisdom as to how to minister well with young adults.

Dr. Matthew Gamble of the Center for Creative Ministry also presented to a packed room sharing how to Turn Revolting Young Adults Into Revolutionaries.  His presentation featured practical advice and showcased several successful case studies being conducted here and abroad.

It was delightful to meet up with young adult ministry practitioners from around the world.  Pastors Bobby Bovell and Eddie Hypolite joined us from Denmark and the United Kingdom respectively, and were among a significant group coming from other countries to join in the training and fellowship.

Maybe the most meaningful for me was the time spent in prayer and worship alongside fellow GODfollowers, passionate about seeking out GOD and ministering to new generations.  A significant part of the Young Adult Ministry Advisory was spent in prayer, asking GOD to insure that our lives are grabbing hold of the most important thing.  In a world full of “good things,” it is easy to be so busy that we miss what is most important.

How wonderful it was to pause amidst the fray of training, networking, advising, and accomplishing–to huddle in prayer; to share our lives and our stories; to enjoy a meal.  IGNITION was not only about discipling others, it was also about enjoying the simple disciplines of relationship with each other and with GOD.

Evangelism

I’m doing my first evangelistic series this spring, March 28-April 11. I’d like your ideas. What would you suggest for a theme? Topics? What might a night look like?

We’re a 400 member church in the suburbs of Houston. Our membership (and that of our neighborhood) is multi-ethnic,  including people from dozens of countries.We have active young adults who I’d like to involve.

The latest study from the Center for Creative Ministry shows that the median age of Adventists in North America is 51 (not 62 or 58 or other numbers that have been thrown out). This study tells us again that we have a problem with young adults disappearing after high school. It also shows that half our churches are in small towns and rural areas, whereas young adults tend to be drawn to cities. And what’s the most effective form of evangelism? Friendship–30% of Adventists joined the church because of friends and family, as opposed to 10% who were brought in through public evangelism.

So this isn’t going to be one of those evangelistic series that relies on mass marketing and leaves out the name, “Seventh-day Adventist.” I want to explore issues of life and spirituality of interest to young adults. I want to do it in a way that will encourage young adults to bring their friends.

The floor is open. Let me know what you think.

GODencounters: RELENTLESS

On January 23-24, 2009, young adults from across the Northwest will be gathering at the University of Washington, Seattle, for an exciting three-part series of GODencounters, which is a movement of young adults who are wholeheartedly seeking a 24/7 experience of GOD.

Dr. Matthew Gamble, an internationally renowned public speaker, will be flying in to present the series on this year’s theme, RELENTLESS, and two Seattle bands, Soulfill and Garage Voice, will be performing.

GODencounters is your opportunity to return to the heart of God, and for your friends to know the heart of God for the first time.

WHEN: Friday & Saturday, January 23-24, 2009
WHERE: Kane Hall 220, University of Washington, Seattle
TIME: Friday, 7:00PM and Saturday, 11:00AM & 2:00PM
ADMISSION: Free

Jon Davidson from Portland (frontman to The Lemons and Silversafe) has been added to the music lineup and will be performing at GODencounters as well.

Post-Party! Following GODencounters, there will be a winter party/social gathering in the HUB Games Area on campus. There will be bowling, pool. arcade games, and free pizza!

Bring friends!

For more information contact:
Stephanie M. Campbell
24-Seven Ministry Center
253-229-2257
stemaca@gmail.com

Turning Revolting Young Adults into Revolutionaries

Research tells us that the median age for American Adventists is well into the 50s, and across the North American Division, young adults of all denominations are “putting their faith on the shelf.” Studies indicate nearly one of every two Adventist young adults is leaving the church of their youth. (1)

Robert Wuthnow, professor of Sociology at Princeton University, noting young adult trends contributing to the fading American religious landscape, remarked, “My view is that congregations can survive, but only if religious leaders roll up their sleeves and pay considerably more attention to young adults than they have been.” (2)

IGNITION: Turn Revolting Young Adults into Revolutionaries will be presented by Dr. Matthew Gamble, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 2:00-3:30 PM, at the Adventist Ministries Convention (AMC), in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

This insightful workshop addresses the latest trends and offers strategies for the local church to reverse the revolt. In light of the research, Dr. Gamble shares practical insights of how to engage and empower young adults in the local church.

Matthew Gamble, DMin, was born and raised Catholic but became an atheist at the age of 14. Having become fascinated by the Rastafarian religion, Matthew found himself, at the age of 19, on the island of Jamaica. He soon began smuggling marijuana into Miami, Florida. It was shortly after this time that God led him to a Christian pastor who, after hearing his story, handed him a Bible. As he began exploring the teachings of Jesus, his life began to be transformed from the inside out.

In 2008, Gamble completed a Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Transformational Leadership, specifically looking at trends of effective communicators of the Gospel in a postmodern culture. He is a Senior Consultant with the Center for Creative Ministry and sits on both the North American Division Young Adult Ministry Advisory as well as the Adventist Christian Fellowship board.

Gamble serves full time with VagaBondservant Int’l, a non-profit ministry that has taken him all over the world. He has preached broadly on six of the seven continents, and had the opportunity to return back to Jamaica to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Discover more about Dr. Gamble’s ministry at http://www.matthewgamble.com/

IGNITION is young adult ministry leadership training embedded in this year’s AMC, and it is open to all leaders and pastors passionate about new generations. Ministry professionals should not miss this opportunity to better understand how to engage and empower young adults in the local context. Register today.

footnotes:

(1) Martin, A. A. (2008, July). Reaching out: Making a difference with young adults. Ministry, 80(7), p. 5.
(2) Ibid., p. 6.