I traveled across Mishawaka this morning to take part in a Youth Pastors Network meeting near Bethel College.  I have longed for quite a few months to make it to such a meeting, and my experience today went far above and beyond any of my expectations.  I can imagine what it looked like to passerby's.  A group of men and women, we were gathered in a large circle, with seemingly nothing in common.  We consisted of a man in a suit, a woman in Saturday work clothes, a dude with long flowing hair, a gent with dreads and a scruffy beard, and a big redhead with a cowboy hat (seriously, I need to stop wearing that). 

Truth be told though, we had something very much in common.  Every person at this meeting had a passion for teenagers who have not been confronted with the power and love of Christ.  Don't get me wrong, we love every kid in our respective youth groups, and we love spending time preaching, and running activities, but more than that, we all have a burden to reach areas of South Bend that are yet to be reached.  Beyond that, we have a passion for our work to leave a legacy that passes into the regional and national arenas.

I've seldom been as encouraged as I was today, as I admitted my fears and times where I lacked courage when it came to the Gospel.  I was not patted on the back and told it was okay, nor was I looked down upon and frowned at.  I was simply encouraged by the Christlike words and actions of people who genuinely cared about the ministry which I have dedicated my life to, for they've made a similar decision.

I loved the meeting this morning, and I hope to make many more.  Meetings like these break down denominational aggression and put us in a position to have a kingdom agenda, where we truly care more about others coming to know Christ than we do about which youth group they attend.

In Love,

Bob