Relevant, Music, Servants

  Relevant magazine is fabulous.  They get what it takes to be successful in ministry: "...being realistic about the seasons God takes us through and saying that what used to work isn't good enough anymore.  It's difficult to turn from things you spent years, even decades, pursuing, but when you stop relying on yourself and rely on God alone, things change.  Take risks.  Pursue your passions. Don't be afraid of failure.  Obey God with confidence.  That's where true life, creativity, and calling reside." - Well said Cameron Strang.  We can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results.

  Cameron also mentioned the current Christian music scene...  "We're starting  to see [less revenue leading to a higher emphasis on creativity] right now in the music industry, where new models are emerging in independent music.  Its all happening because the old label-centric industry failed to stay up with shifts in technology and audience tastes, and the bottom fell out..."  That made a lot of since to me when I first read it because lately I 've been really getting tired of "Christian music" which is totally unlike me...  I've been checking out some music online and have discovered a couple bands that I really like a lot, The Glorious Unseen, Joel Auge, Parachute Band, and Seabird are pretty great.

  I've been reading Jesus Centered Youth Ministry and Growing True Disciples for class and they've got me thinking a lot about church and leadership and how others see Jesus in me.  I've kind of been questioning my call lately, but God kicked me back in line this morning.  As I was journaling about Judges 4 (where Deborah is leading the whole nation of Isreal!) and blending that passage in with what I've been learning from other books it finally clicked.  God is calling me to follow him like Jesus (the ultimate leader) did.  I am supposed to serve.  If along the way serving God and serving others happens to mean leading some Bible studies and planning activities then that's cool, bring it on.  It doesn't matter if I'm a chick, we can all serve God.  And its not about me anyway, its about Jesus being lifted up and through that students coming to have a real relationship with Him that will change their lives and the lives of their friends.