Big Update

So I'm posting again. At last. Didn't even manage it on Sunday this week. It's getting worse.

As a result, I've got loads to say. It might have to happen in more than one installment. We'll see. I'm due a visitor in a few minutes, so it rather depends how late she is...!

Where to start? Well probably with the Student-Age Pastorate Weekend Away. I was invited to joing our 18-25(ish)'s on their weekend away in Telford as their guest speaker, worship leader and minibus driver. I spoke on "The Nature and Character of God" and did it in four parts: an introductory session on the Friday night, "God is Love" on Saturday morning; "God the Creator" on Saturday evening; and "God is Holy" on Sunday morning. And I really enjoyed it! I felt a little like my teaching was going to a new level. I felt comfortable, relaxed and able to be myself, and also noticed the benefits of having done some serious Bible-study recently. There's so much in there that I'm excited about, and I just kept dropping bits into my teaching, which I've never really done before. It's one of several new gifts that I feel like God's giving me at the moment ... more on that later.

But people's response at the weekend was noticibly different, too. Rather than wanting to come an encourage me for "a good talk", people wanted to come and ask me to pray with them, tell me about how what I'd said spoke into their life, or what they intended to do as a result of a teacher. I felt like I'd moved from a guy who everyone wants to encourage to one that people really thought was capable of ministering to them. It feels good. Please pray that God keeps growing this new gift and also that I don't get all arrogant about it. I know, you simply can't imagine that happening with ME, can you...???!!!???

The other really nice thing about the weekend (apart from being on a residential and being allowed to go to the pub which, working with teenagers I never get to do normally) was that a lot of the guys on the weekend were people who were members of the youth group (Reflect, in those days) when I arrived in Stoke Gifford six years ago. I'm still in touch with most of them, but it was really nice to have then chance to have a proper catch-up with them. I also got to lead worship with Ali B, Sam and Nath. We used to do that a lot for Youth Services, but it's been a good few years since we all played together, and it was so nice to do it again. And also, interesting to note that we can all still read each other so well. It's fair to say we sounded good (on the occasions when I didn't stuff up the rhythms...)

I got back tired, as usual, but perhaps not as much as when it's teenagers. I didn't have to run the whole weekend which, in many ways, was a joy because in theory it meant I could relax. But it was also hard because it rubbed up against my control issues... However, a massive "well done" to Emily and Ed, because they'd thought of everything and it was a top weekend. A very fitting way for them to end their time as leaders of the Student-Age Pastorate.

Now, control and leaders ... both mentioned in that last paragraph, which leads neatly to the next big thing that's going on here at the moment.

Just as I thought we were getting out leaders situation sorted out for next year, with Mettle and RE:fresh almost there, we lose a couple of good Rock Solid and RS2 leaders! It's a tricky one, because we can't go on with Rock Solid with a team this size. I've spoken to a couple of people who sound keen-ish, but I'm panicking about it, and have a sneaky suspicion that God won't reveal his plan for who and how until I give it up to him. I'm trying, but it's hard! Pray that I would want to let him drive this ministry...

There's still more, but my visitor is here, so I'm going to give her my undivided attention.

Not so long til the next post, I hope...