Well, as of today, I believe I have been a youth pastor for nine months.  Over the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of reflection and review over the last nine months.  Have I done enough?  Did I accomplish something?  What can I do more of?  What can I do less of?  It’s been a struggle, no doubt.  (Thankfully, in 81 days and 57 minutes I’ll be getting married…and that will ease some of the stress…)

Nonetheless, I had heard of the book “Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry” written by Doug Fields, youth minister at Saddleback Church in California.  I got it last Wednesday and just finished it this morning.  It was a great read and I feel like it has opened my eyes to a lot of different aspects of ministry.  It basically gave me a peace and direction as to how to be “effective.”  So, if you’ve never read it and are looking at student ministry, it’s a must read.  

Next up, “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris.  I am wanting to knock that book out quickly and then possibly do a book study with the youth group over it.  I hear its a phenomenal book, so look for that review coming up very soon.

In other news, Run 4 Haiti has received its first donation from a very kind, generous friend of mine.  I also received word that a church has taken on the challenge and different classes will be donating a buck a mile.  That’s awesome and exciting!