The Elephant In The Room

Introduction

Bubble Wrap, celebrated its golden anniversary in January of 2010. Although the primary function is to provide cushioned security, Bubble Wrap was originally inventes as wallpaper. In the late 1950s, a New York City designer was looking for a new type of textured wall covering, but the idea never took off. Inventors Marc and Al envisioned a different application for the bubbly wallpaper and created an industry with annual revenues of $4 billion. The vision of these two inventors made the difference between success and failure for Bubble Wrap. There are endless possibilities for those who are willing to be flexible and stretch their imagination.

The Elephant in the Room

I start with that story to discuss the changes taking place within the Student Ministry. Starting in November, our services will be moved from Wednesday evenings to Sunday evenings. There have been a lot of rumors and opinions about this move, so let me address the change that is taking place, starting with the why behind it.

Let me ask a simply question, what is it that we do here when we gather?

Right, we worship the Lord by listening and reading His Word and singing praises to Him.

Let me ask a secondary question, do you think there are more of your peers who would like to be a part of this?

One of the reasons for this move is to reach more students. How often have you asked a friend from your school to come here on a Wednesday and they told you “Well, I can’t make it because of sports, drama, band, etc.?” Okay, look around. Now, most after school activities do not meet for practices on Sunday. Now, there are some who might, but most of the time it is earlier in the day. My point being is that by moving to Sundays, there is a potential for a greater increase to see your friends come on a Sunday.

Second, how many of you currently participate in an after school activity? Okay, now how many of you are exhausted by the time you get here because of school and the activity you are a part of? How many of you feel stressed on Wednesdays because of the pressure to get everything done and then exhausted Thursday mornings because you were here late and then on top of that you still needed to get your homework done?

Look around. This change is here to help you not feel stressed and exhausted during your school week. This change can actually help you not procrastinate not class work or not have to stay up late because you had an after school activity and youth service.

Third, there is a new ministry for the boys in grades k-8th grade called “Royal Rangers.” Now, how many of you boys have signed up for it? Awesome! Now, this ministry is looking to start in November and will meet on Tuesday evenings. One of my concerns is that having back to back school nights where you would need to be here on a school night could cause some stress in your schedule. Also, I would hate for you to choose between one or another. I would like to see you attend both!

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. “Well Pastor Mike, those are good things, but this means my schedule will need to change or my parents have already said that I can’t go because of xyz.”

Let me address the first by saying that everyone's schedule will need to change, including mine and the rest of the leaders. That’s what happens when change occurs, it causes change. It takes what was “comfortable” for us and causes us to be uncomfortable.

Now in regards to what your parents may or may have not communicated with you, I have no control over that. I’ve had conversations with your parents about the change and how to manage the change, but if they decide that for your best interest is to start attending another youth group in November, you need to honor that decision. I will say this though, if you really find value in attending here, I would encourage you to talk with your family to see if there is anyway that your schedules can change so you can still come. If after having that conversation your family continues to say there is no possible way, then again, I point you back to God’s Word in Exodus 20 where it says to honor your mother and father. You may not agree with their decision, but you must still honor and respect them.

With that said, this brings me to my last point. I have heard some crazy rumors going around that a private chat was created after I sent the message down in the GroupMe chat last Thursday. While I don’t know the specifics of what was said, I’ve heard that those who participated in this chat said some very mean things about the ministry and about myself.

If you have your bible, please turn to Proverbs 6:16-19

Proverbs 6:16–19 CSB

The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

You may not agree with this change, in fact you might be down right upset about it. Whatever your emotion is, it’s okay to feel how you feel. However, it is not okay to act on your emotions, specifically if they will cause you to sin. If you are causing trouble/division because of this change, I’m calling you to repent. It’s not okay to slander a person or ministry, school, coach, program, etc. As you grow up in life, you will constantly go through change. Sometimes you will like it, sometimes you won’t. If you don’t like the change, speak to the person/program advisor/boss individually about the boss. Don’t go gossiping or causing division. Causing division not only hurts people, it griefs the Lord. I commend those who were part of the chat and had the integrity and character to leave it and say this is wrong. Again, if you participated in this, I am personally calling you to repent of your sin.

This change will be coming in November, and none of know what the outcome of this change will bring. I’m hoping and trusting in the Lord that this change is going to be fruitful for you as you grown in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ministry as a whole. The landscape will change on this journey, my hope and prayer is that you are with us as we walk through new waters.