GlocalNet

It’s Sunday night and our interns are over at my house. Let me clarify—our high school interns.  We have lots of teenagers who feel God is leading them into vocational ministry. Dustin Jones and Susan Keener have done a great job at teaching them what we teach our church planters. They meeet on a weekly basis. There are about 18 here—guys and gals and this is so cool.

These are the “sons and daughters” of NorthWood. Josh Searcy, 17, wants to be a pastor has been at NorthWood 5 years. Micheal Watson, 17, has raised hell in our church for near a decade and wants to?????? Jordon Love, 15, been here since he was born—not sure just what yet . . . Cambry Beavers, 18, wants to live in Mexico. Ashley Lowe, 16, been here around 3 years wants to work with drug rehab. Justin Litvin, 17, going here for 4 years and wants to ????? Maybe a Christian counselor. Jonny Dyson, 9 years at NorthWood, 17 wants to be a student pastor. Parker Waller, 16, has been here at least 11 years wants to live in Vietnam. Andrew Allen, 15, is a Freshman but thinks hes a junior, and wants to be a pastor. Steven Cortez, 14, been here since a baby and wants to be a pastor - a BIG church pastor. Adam Love, 17, doesn’t know what kind of ministry but “SOMETHING CRAZY!” Abbey Middleton, 17, been at NorthWood not sure yet what to do. Edi Morris, 16, wants to be a worship pastor - been at NorthWood 3 years. Jonny Hup, 17, been at the church 13 years - and wants to do something for baby Jesus in a manger. Matt Nelson, 16, been at NorthWood 3 years and wants to go to Africa.

When you think of going into the ministry don’t forget in reality all of you are already “in” the ministry along with every believer - how does that make you feel?
Excited, nervous, speechless, Happy and scared, adventurous, intense, like you’re accomplishing something, anxious, a little big scared, anxious-cautious,

What challenges do you feel like you will face?
Choosing something wrong and not get to where I’m supposed to be, not taking advantage of opportunities, not having people support me, turning someone away from Christ by saying the wrong thing. Doubters who question if you’re for real. Being away from friends for a long time if I live overseas. Keeping your heart in the right place when you’re in leadership, if it’s not you may not lead like you should. You have a really big responsibility to lead others. Or if you say something wrong. Staying consistent. Trying to turn our generation upside down. I’m worried you can do a million things right and do one thing wrong, and loose respect - I don’t want that to happen.

What excites you about it?
It’s what I love. I like serving others. Being in a different culture excites me - something fresh. It’s just what I like to do. Seeing lives changed. Helping others build a relationship with God. Be on a stage talking to thousands of people. Helping people. Being in the midst of something greater than this world. Meeting people from around the world. Living a life of adventure for the glory of God. Having the feeling of knowing I’m doing what God wants me to do. Knowing God is in control and I’m not so I don’t screw it up. Every situation he puts me in - how I’ll get through all of it.

What concerns you about being ready?
Having to leave stuff behind that I’ve become comfortable with. Having to do something you don’t want to do. School. Knowing God’s plan for your life. The doubts in your head. Not being ready. Thinking I’m ready but not being so doing something I shouldn’t do. Being too confident.

What do you see as the big issues of the future?
There won’t be enough people to cover the world. There’s a lot of corrupt people out there. People who are willing. The world is going to be darker than it already is. Drugs. Lack of involvement. People not wanting to hear the message. Selfishness. If the stats are right and we’re the last Christian generation - proving that we won’t be the last. If God comes back too quick, I won’t get to preach. Apathy. More and more people going into new age.

What role has NorthWood played in your decision?
I’ve been to Mexico the past 4 years - had it not been for that I wouldn’t have been interested. The whole worship aspect has been big for me. It’s a resource. I accepted Christ at NorthWood so it’s where I’m starting from. A big part - with me going to Vietnam. Built the foundation for everything spiritual in my life - same here. I didn’t grow up at NorthWood but this is where I started thinking about it. Given me a good atmosphere to grow up in. For me, I’ve been able to see why God is calling me and how it works. It’s been a good church for making me a “whole” Christian and not just one aspect of Christianity. NorthWood has some great leaders that care about their students and spend time with them. GREAT PREACHING EVERY SUNDAY - (BOB OR JORDAN? - neither Randy Miller!). Seriously, seen the passion and the leaders.

What do you need from NorthWood?
Resources, people, etc. Encouragment, inspiration, and prayer. Support. Internships for what we want to do in ministry. Not sure. Support. A place where you can grow spiritually and get refueled. Cash. Support. When we get older and go off to college and are working on being pastors we need to go back home and have support. Advice on different situations - if I start a church, where and when and how.