Kenny Hibbard

As a teenager…….I grew up in church and was an active member in our little “youth group“.

As a college kid and while in seminary…..I was a Youth Pastor and created my own “student ministry“.

As a married young adult……I was a full-time Student Pastor and created my own “student worship service” and “discipleship ministry for teenagers“.

As a Pastor and now Parent of a teenager …..I LOVE the fact that my son gets to enjoy and experience student services and a discipleship group… better than I ever was in, created or was pastor over.

• I love the fact that my 8th grader cannot wait for Wednesday night PURSUIT to start back for the new 2012 season.
• I love the fact that the worship he experiences each Wednesday night is designed for teenagers and is actually played and sung by teenagers.
• I love the fact that the teaching he gets each week is high caliber as Brad Saab is a great practical bible teacher who communicates so teenagers can understand what he is saying.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is a place that my son can hang with his Christian friends and also bring his friends that don’t come to our church.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is led by Brad Saab and has many adult volunteers who help make it an incredible service just for teenagers!
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is actually run by teenagers.  They do the sound, lights, band, video and even clean up. Nothing is better for teenagers who have those gifts and passions than to be apart of something they own and participate in each week.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is fun but also meaningful! Tough topics are taught on and our teenagers are challenged to live a God honoring life at all times.

PURSUIT starts back this Wednesday! I know my son is looking forward to it! I am looking forward to him being a part of it and watching him continue to grow in his relationship with God in the great student service that is PURSUIT.  Brad Saab and his team of  adults and teenagers are ready……I hope you will once again make plans to have your teenagers there!

I also love the fact that my son gets to be in a Home Team discipleship group with a group of guys all in the same grade. Moreover, he is led by two male volunteers who desire to help him be all that God wants him to be now and in the future.  Student Home Teams start this Sunday! A place where teenagers can have an age appropriate bible study, ask questions, be challenged spiritually, serve together and have fun. All with a small group of friends led by a faithful volunteer.   Kristine Wood is doing a wonderful job developing and training adult leaders to lead each group! Soon we are hoping to have an admin person helping Kristine and this person would focus on just Student Home Teams!

Times have changed a little since I was a teenager. They have also changed a little since I was a youth pastor. I am glad that Team Church has been faithful to change, create and continue to offer such a wonderful ministry for my son and all the other teenagers who come here.

As a parent will you make a courageous commitment to making sure your teenagers are here on Wednesday night for PURSUIT and to join a Home Team in 2012.  Two commitments……huge lifetime impact!

Also….Parents mark down February 24th / 25th.  We are having a special weekend for your teenager called:

10:13 Weekend!

• It will be Friday 6pm through Saturday at 9pm!  They will meet here and be sleeping overnight in our building and enjoying the campus here at Team Church!

• They will be coming home with details this Wednesday night!

On Sunday I shared with you that I was there…..but felt very sick. Truth is….I felt horrible! Come to find out I have pneumonia. I can’t remember how long it has been since I have been to sick to move. I think I have been “sick-free” for at least five years. Sick meaning…..you don’t  want to get out of bed and just sit still all day.

I don’t like sitting around and usually get too bored to stay in the same place for more than a day or two.  However, this bout with pneumonia has knocked me out for the count.  The high-powered antibiotic is starting to help……

Anyway, while laying here feeling like I may cough up my lung I have been able to watch the unfolding saga of the cruise ship that rammed a rock of the Italian Coast. That is a crazy tale of cowardice and unbelievable poor choices.  The whole thing is a screaming sermon illustration.  The head of the Cruise line said that the route was preset and that the captain deliberately “went of course” and that is when they got into trouble.

I also watched a DVD movie from Redbox. I would like to encourage all parents to watch the movie 5th Quarter.  If you can get your middle school or High School kids to watch it with you that would be better. It is a true story and one that puts many things into perspective as parents and teenagers.

It would be worth the $1.20 you have to pay at Redbox.  The first 15 minutes of the movie should spark all kinds of conversations with you and your spouse.  You and your teenagers. You and your God.

I look forward to feeling better and seeing you on Sunday.   Please remember that a new year has started. I pray you are committed to tithing this year so that we can have a vibrant ministry each week and each month all year long. We are committed over the first three months of the year to not make any “fixed cost” cuts and to operate with very low ministry money. We are trusting that our general budget giving will increase steadily through March so that we are able to keep all “fixed cost” in our budget while flourishing in ministry.

Here is a book I have read before and am re-reading as I prepare for our new series called WINTER.

Book Title:   When God Weeps

Author: Joni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes

If you have ever wanted to explore:

• Why bad things happen to good people?
• Why God allows Cancer to hurt people?
• Why a loving God would allow little girls to be molested?
• Where was God when the car swerved off the road?
• Why some kids are born healthy and others with severe issues?
• What can be learned or gained from suffering?
• How come, the more I try to honor God…the harder my life seems to get!?

This book will give you practical and biblical insights to help you in your quest of understanding and faith. Also, our next series will be a HUGE help.  I implore you to come and invite a friend who needs grace, peace and questions answered in challenging times.This time of year… is the leading time for suicides, depression and other stress. We have an answer!