Why We Elevate?
Met with two fellow small group leaders last night to talk about our seasonal ministry Elevate. Elevate is a chance for us as a church to go out in...
Hidden Fruit
Christopher Wesley
Jul 13, 2009
I’m tired. I got back last night from our second and last Confirmation Retreat of the year. It’s good to know we can now just focus on the mentoring. This trip was very different from the one we took two weeks ago. First, the group was smaller (Retreat #1 – 20 students; Retreat #2 – 7 students). Second, the first trip we took a bus, this time we drove in minivans. Third, the first group was very vocal and outgoing, this group was a little more reflective and quiet. Both groups were filled with awesome students. But what was amazing about the group that we just traveled with is that there was fruit that was produced that you wouldn’t naturally see.
When we take these students to the
Steubenville High School Conference it can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. For most of them this is the first time they experience large scale worship (2000+ people), the first time they are traveling without family and in this experience they witness the many different levels of enthusiasm teens have to their faith.
This group we just took varied from reluctant to go to willing to try something new. After being together for 3 days you could see three wonderful things.
1. The group bonded and got along really well.
2. They take their faith more seriously.
3. They want to grow closer with God.
After both retreats I know the students have a lot of questions about their faith, but I also know that they are curious and that God is working inside of them and that desire to be with Him is starting to stir. I just ask that people pray for these students and their mentors as we prepare them in their spiritual journey.