A Rock Star is not only someone who shows that they can be the best at what they do, they consistently bring their best to everything that they do!

Today’s post continues our Friday Rock star series which highlights an individual or group whose service makes the ministry of our church possible. This past weekend, I ended the message with the question, where have you seen the church at her best? I’ve had the honor of spending the week with a group of young people who have been an amazing illustration of the church at her best!

Let me introduce you to a few of those Rock Stars.

126 youth and adults from our church have spent the week in Muskogee, Oklahoma repainting houses, building wheelchair ramps, repairing leaking roofs, fixing bathroom floors, and much more. They have done so as an expression of their young but vibrant faith.

After preaching to these kids for the first time on Monday night I was so thrilled that I had chosen to spend the week here. The way in which they have poured their hearts into their work and worship every night has been incredibly inspiring.

I am so proud of our kids and for the chance today to add them to our list of Friday Rock Stars!

Day four has officially begun here in Muskogee, Oklahoma and our students are headed back out for another day of hard work in the sun!

I’ve been so blessed to spend the week with these students. I wish every member of our church could have had the chance to experience worship with these kids last night. Like they have done all week in their work and their worship, they poured it out, and it was a beautiful offering to God.

Only two more days. Would you continue to pray for God to move in the hearts of our students?

Here’s a picture of our students in worship from Monday night. Would you take five minutes today and pray for our High School students?

I’m thrilled to be spending my week with these students.

A Rock Star is not only someone who shows that they can be the best at what they do, they consistently bring their best to everything that they do!

Today’s post continues our Friday Rock star series which highlights an individual or group whose service makes the ministry of our church possible. This week, I’m excited to highlight one of our most faithful volunteers in our children’s ministry area, David Friels.

Here’s a few words that our Children’s Director, Tina Schramme shared with me about David.

David started volunteering about 6 years ago. He has shepherded two of his grandchildren’s classes, taught 5th grade boys for a year, and has been a mentor for confirmation 3 years. His genuine care for the kids and love for God are evident to everyone. He builds strong bonds with his kids by asking about their lives and showing real concern for their daily struggles. He remembers their prayer requests, birthdays and special events. The kids in his class know they can count on Mr. David, and in turn they are consistently more committed to attending class. Whatever class he is leading is the one that always has high attendance, even when the rest are low. David serves every week and he stays with his class year after year. This is a dream for children’s ministry leaders because it allows him to develop real, lasting relationships with the kids and their families. It has been said several times around the children’s team, “I wish we could clone David Friels!” He is a role model, not only for the kids, but also for the families and other volunteers.

Here are a few pictures from the night of my ordination. The first one is of me being ordained. This shot was taken by my Mom from the balcony at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Here’s the rest of the gallery. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.