What I Learned at Student Life

What did I learned at Student Life?
Well I know one thing, I'd never be able to write it all here in just one blog!

This Student Life experience was much different than the other two I've attended. In many ways I liked it much better. It was less of a "party" atmosphere and more a worship conference.  Sure, the students were pumped getting there early to get the best seats in the house, playing group games while they waited, running up to the "praise pit" and singing loud and unashamed!  

Kristian Stanfill was our worship leader. He is part of the Passion City Church in Atlanta. Kristian serves as one of their praise and worship leaders along with Chris Tomlin and Kristie Nockels.


As for our speaker, I'd never heard David Platt live before and can I just say he did NOT disappoint!  He was amazing. I heard students say - "he really held my attention" and "I love how simple he made every thing sound".  The first day he told us that he wasn't very funny - but several students said they loved his humor. To sum it up let me just say I wish every true believer I know could have been there.  I wish every "coasting Christian" I know could have been there. And for those who are church attenders... oh my, how I wish they had been there!!!  I can honestly say the messages I will remember always!

But I also learned/saw a few things that discouraged and disappointed. 

When we, as the youth ministers,  register for a camp we're sent the guidelines that the camp promoters want us to share with our students and I always assume they expect us to follow them.  The guidelines always have a dress code. What they ask isn't really that outlandish or unreasonable... modesty, plain and simple. They ask us to make sure the girls have on tops that aren't "spaghetti straps" and shorts / skirts that are at least "fingertip length"... which they even go as far as to explain what that is. (their finger tips touch the hem of the clothing.)  One piece swimsuits and if you don't have one, please wear a colored t-shirt over a two piece.  Guys are asked to wear shirts with sleeves (this rules out tanks for guys!)  and trunks as swimwear. Again, these aren't unreasonable request for any camp but especially a Christian one! 

When we get to the first youth pastor's meeting, on day one, they give lots of information then they reiterate the dress code and hotel etiquette portions of the guidelines.  They tell us it is our responsibility to make sure our students follow these rules.  The  point of the dress code - for the girls to respect themselves and to not allow them to become a distraction. The point of hotel etiquette, is to represent ourselves, our church, and our GOD well, PLUS respect the other guests.  Here's what's disappointing...  either LOTS of youth pastors ignored the information or weren't listening or this is one of those unwritten rule that says, if I don't like the rule, or I'm uncomfortable enforcing the rule - I don't have to follow it.   

WHAT ARE WE TEACHING OUR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS WITH THIS MENTALITY????? 

What "rules" do we think are silly or un-necessary that we don't follow?

Speed limits?

Texting while driving?

Wearing a seatbelt?
Cutting in line?

How many instructions has God given us in His word that we ignore because we don't like them?

Using foul language?

Excessive behaviors?

Gossip?

 

We are their youth pastors and trip counselors. We're Sunday School teachers and parents. It's our responsibility to teach and lead the children in our care to make "sound judgment".  These kids are looking to us to help them learn right from wrong and if we don't follow guidelines.... like them or not, we're teaching our kids it's okay if they don't follow them either! We live in a world where too many people follow the "do as I say, not as I do" rule. This type of lifestyle is very confusing to children, of all ages!

It may sound silly to you but as I walked through the foyer of the conference center my heart was so heavy.  I saw lots of boys in tanks and too many girls to count who's shirts were longer than their shorts! AND if their thinking is everyone else is or isn't" doing "it", then I guess my next question would be; as Followers of Christ, aren't we SUPPOSED TO BE DIFFERENT THAN EVERYONE ELSE? 

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to vent:)  

Now I will say this...

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! to my students for following the guidelines and thank you parents for helping me to enforce this rule. All of Prattmont Students wore clothing that represented themselves, their church and their God very well! Their behavior at the hotel was awesome, treating the other guest and property with respect.

So as I wrap this blog up I'm reflecting on the many times I chosen to do my own thing because I didn't like the rule (too many times), and how that affected my children and my influence.  Since the Holy Spirit convicted me a few years ago about this area and others like;  the music I listen to and the TV shows/movies I watch, I've made changes in how I do things.  Whether it's my personal children or someone else's kids - what I do matters and right or wrong, someone is following my lead. 

To re-ask the question:  What did I learn at Student Life? 

I re- learned that Jesus Christ is KING and we are to live anticipating HIS Kingdom come. Our life here, today, on this earth is to be a living example of who He is in our life personally and to proclaim what He has done for us publicly. I learned that I don't want to be a "coasting Christian". I don't want to merely get by or live an ordinary life.  With Christ I have abundant life through Him - why would anyone want anything less?  Yes, there is a cost to this abundant life... I must sacrifice ME and what I want and live for Jesus. What Jesus reminded me of this week... what HE has for me is so much better than anything I can give or get for myself!!!

David Platt said to the youth pastors, "if what you were doing was easy, everybody would be doing it."

Being a sincere follower of Christ means sacrifice, it means dying to self.  That's not easy. But we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us HIS strength. 

until next time....

trying to live boldly for HIM!

msp