Have I every said how much I love being a part of C3?! I get so jacked about a church that will truly do whatever it takes to show love to others, especially the un-churched and those far from God. I talked to a few of our first time guests this week and one just stood out in my mind. Their family was one that has been out of church for a very long time and they were really hesitant to give church a try. Which I can completely understand, because you starting thinking; “will I know what to do or where to go,” “will people judge me because I look a little different and have been far from God?” But with all the questions aside, they decided to give C3 a try, and what was so cool is that she said not only did they feel very welcomed, but they can’t wait to come back next week. Huge thanks to everyone who makes C3 all it can be every Sunday, you guys are making an eternal difference!!!

Huge props to our students as well. You guys are doing an awesome job of investing in relationships at school and inviting your unchurched friends. Last night I heard a conversation with one of our first time students as someone asked them what they thought about the night. I loved the reply; they said: “this is freak’n great!” You guys are doing an awesome job!!! Don’t forget to check the Crave Spam page for all the stuff we have happening in November.

What an awesome week it’s been.  We had our very first Crave meeting at Boardwalk Bowl this past Wednesday.  It kind of reminded me of when our church first moved out into the theaters.  I was totally pumped and excited, but at the same time I had no idea what to really expect.  But, just like the theaters, Boardwalk Bowl is an awesome place to meet.  The staff at Boardwalk made us feel extremely welcome and the environment (including an arcade and snack bar) was perfect for our group.   There are still a few hurdles to overcome, but all and all it was an awesome night in an awesome new room. 

I also want to say a huge thanks to all the Crave staff!!!  You guys did a phenomenal job creating a cool environment and connecting with the students. 

You know the same day that we had our first Crave-Live at Boardwalk, I was asked the question; “what do I see in this next generation as far as their spiritual appetite.  I have to say; I love the movement that I see in our student ministry right now.  I see a group of students, many of which were not brought up in the church, who when they fall in love with Christ they follow Him with all their hearts.  Even when all their friends at school and for some even their parents at home, don’t support or model being a Christ Follower, these students stand up for what they believe.  They are also a group of students who are not afraid to ask questions.  Questions about their faith, about church and they are not afraid to make changes. I love this next generation, I truly believe that our students will be one of the first generations of church leaders who will stop pointing out all the faults of everyone else and will truly love their neighbor as themselves.

Well I guess that sums up my thoughts for today.  We’re off to the Timber Creek football game tonight.  See you on Sunday.

Well, we made it back from Student Camp.  We spent this past week in Daytona Beach with some of our Crave students for Big Stuf Student Camps and I have to say the week was absolutely nothing short of amazing.  I am so proud of each and every one of our Crave students and what they personally accomplished over this past week.  My mind is just racing with all the stuff that happened this week.  So, let me try to get a few things down. 

Worship was absolutely awesome!!!  The Steve Fee band did a phenomenal job leading the students in worship and helping point them to God.  I loved watching our students really get into worshiping our God.  What I loved the most is by the end of the week our students weren’t concerned about what anyone thought or said, they were just going to worship God in their own way, in freedom.

The messages were through the roof.  Every night I would have at least one student telling me how much God used the messages from the day to challenge and begin to change their lives.  Each speaker and message was just what we all needed to hear (students and leaders alike). 

The beach was pretty much a bust.  Every day when we would have our free time to hit the beach and play some games it would rain.  We did get one seriously awesome game of ultimate Frisbee in and then on Thursday we decided to just go play in the rain anyway. 

Our small group times with the students were amazing.  The students really seemed to enjoy the time and opened up a ton.  My favorite was Wednesday when we combined our small group time with our night games on the beach.  We talked about all the different paths that life offers us and how each path has it’s own destination and how if we travel down those paths together as a group, then we can get through the bumps and detours on the path so much easier.  We then did several team building exercises that I think really helped the students trust and understand each other.  Of course, one of the best parts of small group time was when one of our girls gave her life to Christ – I’m so proud of you!!!

I still have so much to say, but I know this blog is getting a little long and I have to go pack again for a couple days of family time at the beach.  But, let me end by saying; parents, I want to thank you for the awesome privilege of entrusting your students to us this week, for they have taught me a ton. Students, thank you for being so open to what God wanted and wants to do through you. You are the next generation of church leaders. I really believe from the heart that you showed this week that the future of God’s church will be powerful and exciting. I am proud of you all!!!