The ranting of a visionary in training

I am so pumped. I just had a chance to see East Hill put on their Family Production they do once a month. It's a family service designed to get kids and parents in the same room, learning the same stuff. This instantly gets parents on board with what their kids are learning at church and gives them common point of reference for the next month. Implementing something like this has been a big dream of mine for the last couple of years. We've done a couple of Family Productions (the ones on Halloween and New Years). The response was good, but for whatever reason I've doubted whether this was the direction we should go. Part of it is I've felt like a "lone wolf" going after this idea without the support of other leaders (though this is more in my mind than reality). I think the other part is knowing what it could be and that we're just not there yet. But I still love the idea. And tonight, some other people on our leadership team had a chance to see what I've been shooting for. They are all very pumped as well.

I think what has really made it difficult is knowing that this is a small part of the big vision that God has given me. I see our church as a place for parents to be resourced and encouraged as the spiritual leaders of their families. To put it plainly, what happens at home is more important than what happens at church. These family productions serve one of many potential ways that families can jump on board with a plan to disciple their kids.

It's been very affirming to be around a group of leaders (up here at Connections, a children's ministry conference) that are ALL feeling this same call to minister to families, not just kids. The problem is, I think I'm the only one that understands this at our church (at least, that's how it feels). We have a huge focus on raising up young leaders, which is incredible. I think there are so many gifted and called young leaders out there that just need to be given the chance to get their hands in there and make ministry happen. And most of the time they do a better job than what's already in place (though a little messier). However, we're missing a huge piece of the puzzle if we're not training the parents of our church to be the leaders of their families.

I think the hardest part of this is knowing I cannot speak into the lives of these parents from my position as childen's pastor. Sure, I can work to build myself a little kingdom of parents that I can partner with (and I'm actually planning on something along those lines) but I can't help but think that's counter to how churches should operate. It just doesn't make sense to me. When you have a group of very talented and dynamic leaders all trying to build their little kingdoms, you end up with a collection of departments and conflicting systems. Families are pulled in a dozen different directions as leaders try to vie for their mental and spiritual bandwidth. In the end we end up more compartmentalized then ever.

It's just tough. I don't know the direction I should go. If I go after what I feel like God is doing without partnering with the other leaders, then I'm working counter to my purpose. But if I don't go after it, I'm afraid it's going to fade into obscurity, and I'm being disobedient to what God has put on my heart. I hope I'm not sounding discontent. I am so blessed to be in a church with such health, and to be under such incredible leadership (Ron Swor is the most amazing leader I know). That almost makes it harder, though. What business does this kid have messing with what's working? But I can't ignore what God has put on my heart. *sigh* Thanks for listening to my little rant. Please, I need your thoughts and comments on this one. What has God been putting on your heart? What's the vision that He's given your family?

Hat's off to the man of the hour

I've really been wrestling over the last few days what to write about in this week's blog. I know that the idea is to just write whatever's on my mind, but there's often so many things that it would just be a discombobulated (spelled that right on the first try :D ) mess. Plus, I want this blog to be more than the random thoughts of an eighth year college student (and that's for a bachelor's). Though, I'm afraid for at least this post that's what you're getting. By the way, I love all the comments I've been getting, both on Facebook and in person. This has been a really incredible way to connect with all of you, so please, keep the thoughts, questions, comments and snide remarks coming!

First of all, I cannot post a blog today without mentioning one of the best people I've ever had the privilege of knowing, Jesse Abraham Bogue. It's not really my place to write a lot about him. I'll just say that he was born 20 years ago today and is dearly missed by friends and family. I was blessed enough to hang out and laugh with some of them tonight. Especially on a day like to day I am reminded of just how important these times are. Thanks again, Jess, for reminding me of that.

You know, I had some other things I wanted to talk about today, but after spending some time thinking about Jess, I think I'm done. The other stuff I was going to write about just seems...trivial. I'll still leave you with a question, though. Over the few months prior to Jess's passing, I didn't really see or spend time with him. I think the last real interaction I had with him was at the 76 in Canby where he stopped and talked with me as I was filling up and he just happened to be walking by. I can't help but feel sad and a little guilty because of this. How could I let my friendship with one of the most amazing people I know become so casual? I think it's sad that the reason why I know what's going on with most of you is because of your Facebook status, rather than sitting down and talking to you. My question is how can we keep from letting most of our friendships slip into obscurity? (I know we can't be close friends with everyone, but surely I can do a better job maintaining relationships than I do) And if you want to go a little deeper (and get a little personal), are there any past friendships that you "mourn" because you haven't maintained it? Thanks again everyone for your comments. Remember, you can comment here or on Facebook. Also, if you just can't get enough "what's Dustin up to" then you can follow me on Twitter :)

Blessings everyone!
Dustin