Rediscovery of Pete

Too often in my life have I thought I knew what God was up to and where He was leading. Once again, I find myself doing a double take on what God has in mind.

I figured that after ten+ years in youth ministry and a frustrating last 5 that God was moving me beyond working with students. I figured that I had a calling to families or church planting or something else, maybe even outside of ministry.

Last night I had the privilege of teaching a really cool group of middle school students and found myself so into it that afterward I had to do a gut check. Jocelyn even commented on how fun it was to see me so pumped up about students. I walked around the church last night just imagining all the ways that I could be used in this ministry. I began to think, "is God not done using me with students?"

Later that night as I processed the whole experience with the guy interviewing me some interesting things came out. I've come to realize that I have spent much of the last five years not really doing youth ministry. I've been managing people, issues, disasters & events. I've been trying to fit myself into a roll that wasn't really appropriate for my gifts and talents. The whole experience has had me confused about my calling when the real issues has been the structure and system I have found myself in.

After last night I think I have rediscovered some of my passions and gifts and believe that God may really be calling me to a good long run in youth ministry. (My friend Keith Kruger would be so happy!)