The Great White North

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to minister up in the “Great White North”(wasn’t so white). Hamilton, Ontario Canada is home to an amazing apostolic ministry. Under the direction of Pastor Michael Shaw, Lifepoint church is located smack dab in downtown Hamilton and is efficiently reaching this urban community.

By far the finest urban ministry I’ve seen out there.

I was so blessed to be a part of their youth-week. Adam Shaw the Youth/Associates Pastor is one of the most brilliant dudes I’ve ever met. He and his wife(Stephanie) lead an amazing team. They organized the week and came up with the theme “Artwork”. What was most incredible about this event is that it not only looked stellar, but was spiritually connected too.

Oh! And I can now check Niagara Falls off my list of things to do.

Follow this guy on twitter: Adam Shaw

-brandon

Hiking With Matthew

I’ve been wanting to post this for sometime…

So a while back I took a student(Matthew Mentasis) on a hiking trip. Matt, still in high school is our main keyboard player for youth band and a total worshiper. As you will see from this video we had a blast. Well at least I did.

I have always been an avid hiker but as I get older the call of the wild beckons me deeper. Anyway, taking a student on a trip like this(with parental consent) can be a great way to connect and strengthen your relationship with a youth.

A lot of work can be done in the pulpit but nothing can replace the relational side of youth ministry. I can remember being a teen and spending time with my youth pastor. I’ll never forget the stories and adventures we shared. The deep impact he made on my life in those non-church setting.

Maybe you’re not a hiker. Maybe your in to other recreation. But whatever you do pick a student and start building today. You never know, they just maybe the next generation leader.

- Brandon

A29 Camp 2010 Pt2

I have to apologize for not capturing everything that went on at camp this year. For instance, I completely forgot to video any of the Ropes, Rock-Wall, or Sports. Almost everything that was outdoors didn’t get filmed and for that I’m sorry.

However I do want to remind you that this in not “Band camp”, “Science camp”, or “Teach you how to ride a horse camp”, but it is “Get you connected with God, so that you can go back to the valley and make the necessary changes to live for God camp”… Humm, that would make a great name for a camp. fo real though! Don’t be trying to steal that name.

Our camp is completely centered around the day secessions and night services. We do want to have fun and all, but to us the most important thing is to have a move of God.

I hope you enjoy this camp trilogy – Part 3 is on it’s way.

-Brandon

Day Before Camp

I call this one “Day Before Camp” A.K.A. “The Talking Vlog”. In this Vlog all I seem to do is talk, talk, talk… It’s the day before our annual Youth Camp and I have a ton of things to do.

I love being a full-time Youth Pastor. It can really get stressful at times but can yield great reward too. For the past 5 years I have shepherded over 200+ youth every year and barely feel like I’m hitting my stride.

Enjoy!

-Brandon

Anti-War Protesters = Party

This was a pretty uneventful day. Had lunch with J Shoemake. Went to Chipotle, then to the mall with my family.

This weekend I’m just gearing up for our annual summer camp held here in Sonora Ca. It starts this Tuesday, and ends on Saturday. It is usually a blowout in the spirit. Can’t wait to see what God is going to do this year. Cortt Chavis will be our camp speaker. Yes I said “Speaker”, but maybe we will get him to sing too.

Looking forward to Bloging about camp this year!

-Brandon

Wednesday set-up

This is just a glimpse of what we do every wed. to convert a gym into a sanctuary for the worship of God. In the future I will try to do a video on the whole set-up system A-Z.

-Brandon

Leftovers

Malachi 1:6-14 talks about the priests giving God “Unworthy Sacrifices”- Leftovers: something remaining after the rest has been used or consumed.

Acts-twenty9 Welcome

This is a personal invite to anyone watching. Come check out Acts 29, the Youth Ministry of Christian Life Center. 9025 West Lane Stockton, Ca. Every Wed. night at 7:00 in the SCS Gym.

My beautiful wife and I have the privilege of leading the greatest youth ministry on the planet, acts-twenty9.

Acts-twenty9 is a sold-out, dedicated army of young people, determined to not let the enemy succeed in the “battle of souls”.

You know how sometimes you hear hype around something, and then you get to see it close up and realize that it is not the “real deal.” Acts-twenty9 is for real! No hype, just spiritual health. If you are looking for good clean Godly fellowship amongst teens, or just the most unbelievable worship experience that you have ever been at. Look no further, A29 is it!

- Brandon

Check us out!

Twitter: actstwenty9

Official page: clministry.com

SFC Jog-a-thon

We had a SFC Jog-a-thon to raise money for missionaries… it was tight!

Youth MiniSTARS

Guest Post: David McGovern

I love youth workers. Absolutely positively LOVE youth workers. If you’re a youth worker, odds are you’re overworked and underpaid, but hopefully never under-appreciated. I’m entering my 12th year in youth ministry, and with each passing year I get more & more passionate about helping the next wave of student leaders.

If you’re a youth worker (whether you’re the youth pastor, a staff member, a sunday school teacher, a bus driver or anything in between) YOU ARE MY HERO. YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Don’t get weary in well doing. Keep working. Keep reaching. Keep dreaming. Keep loving those crazy teens.

You’re doing EXACTLY what you’re supposed to be doing & you are EXACTLY where God called you to be.

I came across this humorous, albeit abstract, video called Youth MiniSTARS. Laugh a little bit & be encouraged. You’re making an indelible impact on this generation & the future. You may not feel like it, but you’re a ROCKSTAR in my book.

Love you all.

- David

Milk and Manure // Simple Thought Devotion

Proverbs 14:4 - Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Blue Bomber Crew!!

[This post has been in my "Drafts" for a month now - sorry]

So with out any further adieu allow me to introduce you to the Wests. I love Jason and Leah West! Hands down the greatest youth leaders of all time! They are some of the most passionate youth workers you will ever meet.

I want to  focus on Sis Leah in this post. If you want to be inspired or just moved to tears – take the time to read her blog {Memoirs of a bus worker}

Her Profile:

Name: Leah West

Location: San Jose : CA

Wife to Jason West.”mother” to Ollie & Fifi. daughter to Jake & Janet. sister to Joe, Jon, Bek & Jake. daughter-in-law to Tina. sister-in-law to Mark & Shirley. auntie to Matias. friend to many. Blue Bomber Route 3 Bus Worker.

I leave you with this video. – Brandon