My desire for this Sunday was to clearly communicate the message of Deepen: Christian Commitment (sent out in paper form and posted here this week). If you haven't read it yet, I'd encourage you to do so. My prayer is that this will be received in the same spirit it is intended...this is a humble, intentional step toward modeling deep Christian community for your teen – a community that will foster growth. Since these new changes will take place on June 3, 2012, I am praying that sharing this vision for the future of the student ministry will help the students and leaders to understand the purpose of these changes, effectively prepare, and allow the students to have input on their specific Life Group.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Jesus spoke the truth to thousands, but He poured Himself into these twelve men who (save one) became the leaders of the early church. What was Jesus accomplishing by doing this?

• Note To Parents: Living life together, as Christ modeled with the twelve disciples, is what breeds life-changing relationship. The Bible provides numerous examples of Christ withdrawing from the crowds to focus on His twelve chosen disciples. One that comes to mind is Matthew 13:36: "Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." Jesus did not mix the distractions of fellowship with relationship. Instead, He created a comfortable space for honest dialogue with His disciples, a place where they could ask questions and be vulnerable. Jesus dug deep with His disciples – far deeper than He went with the crowds. The mission of the student ministry is "to lead and teach students to become passionate and fully committed followers of Christ, developing young disciples who make disciples as they grow and mature." As Jesus did by creating disciples who led the early church, so we are also committed to "developing young disciples who make disciples as they grow and mature." This is done through relationship...living the Christian life together...having a comfortable space for honest dialogue...a place to ask questions and be vulnerable.

GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY TO YOUR TEEN!

I am always available to each of you.

Mike Childress