Today at Lakeside

Today was a good day.

Once a month the Lakeside Church staff gets together for what we call chapel. We eat together. (Today was waffles and bacon...and fruit. Lipitor here I come.) Sometimes we sing. We pray. Often I will tell what I'm learning in my own spiritual journey.

Today we heard from Doug Roush. Doug is Lakeside's Director of High School Ministry, known as Encounter. He is completing his third year on our team and he's doing an outstanding job of leading high school students as followers of Jesus. I interviewed Doug in front of the staff today in order to affirm him in his call to the ministry. The state calls it licensing. I call it encouraging.

Doug is 27 years old. He is a learner. I once told Doug he didn't listen enough; he was too quick to speak. He listened to that advice. He has become a humble, learning leader.

He taught today about the brothers of Jesus. He talked about the struggles James might have had in following his older brother. Yet James believed. Doug cited James' belief in Jesus as one of the primary reasons for his own belief. I was moved by his teaching. Think about it: Jesus died for us...and for his brother. Eventually James repaid the bill when he was martyred for his faith in his brother Jesus.

That was a good day. But it wasn't over.

After chapel I met with Carl Rettinger. Carl leads Lakeside's Middle School Ministry. He sits down in my office and says, "I love my job."

I'm thinking, "Nuh uh! Nobody loves middle schoolers." (Sorry MSM kids. I love you; I'm just reporting the stereotype.) 

Carl does love his job and he is doing it well. Here is a mature, well-grounded husband and dad who is giving his heart and soul to lead middle school students to love Jesus. There is hope in this world!

Today was a good day.

Comments

[Karen Williams]

I appreciate Doug Rousch. Doug is doing an outstanding job with High School students. His teaching of God's word is relevent and engaging. Doug calls the students by name, and the kids know he cares.I appreciate Doug and Michelle!

[Jordan]

Oh man, the last three posts have been powerful, beautiful "good words" for me. Thank you for sharing. It's sweet to hear the good things God is doing in your own life and in the life of Lakeside. Can't wait to join you guys in a few weeks. Until then!