Street to Street by Fred Lynch

A monthly message from Fred Lynch.

Street to Street by Fred Lynch

Making room for the new

January 2006

Just like getting used to anything new, it takes a little time to adapt to a new year. I know...by the time you're used to saying '06 it's almost 07'. It's probably most evident when you write a check and mistakenly place 2005 in the date area. I imagine that 80% of us make that mistake while the other 20% look as if they have it together only because they're trying really hard. That's the trick to making the most out of anything new; intentionally making room for new things. Remember when the disciples approached Jesus about the validity of other disciples who were not a part of their 'clique'? They reported to Jesus that they successfully stopped someone who was trying to do something 'in his name' because these so-called followers weren't connected to the infamous Twelve. Jesus' answer was direct and solid, "Don't stop them! He who isn't against us is for us." Instead of hindering kingdom progress, the disciples had to learn how to make room in their world for a new way of thinking.

Being natural creatures of habit, we find comfort in the familiar and automatically question anything that would disrupt our paradigm. However when we value the fact that the kingdom is so much bigger than our small circles, we can benefit from the power of the world-wide Church; the one with the big 'C'; the one that God sees, loves and is working through to change the world. This New Year I'd like to encourage you to intentionally make room for the new. As God brings more laborers into your city to reap the harvest, the most important question right now is whether you'll connect with them or allow them to remain isolated. Particularly when it comes to networking, this is the best time of year to find people in your city who have a like passion in ministry. Many new youth workers get their feet wet in ministry around this time of year as Churches prepare for new programs. I'd suggest holding a luncheon/prayer meeting to re-connect with fellow youth workers and meet the newbie's in town. One of my most successful techniques for connecting with new youth workers is to simply do a cold call.

Here's how I do it. I usually go to the National Network of Youth Ministries Site: www.nnym.org or UrbNet (for inner-city youth workers) www.urbanyouthworkers.com or just go to Yahoo and type in a Church in my city (usually Yahoo is pretty accurate), get the number and just step out and call the church. I usually keep a pad or have Microsoft Word open taking down information as I gather it. Find out who's in charge of the youth program and how I could contact them. I must warn you that the process is a little time consuming, but the reward is great when you catch up with new youth workers who are usually praying for others to connect with. I've seen countless stories of youth workers who've called our network in answer to prayer because they simply thought that they were the only ones out there trying to make a difference. I've often wondered why do we all find ourselves in this 'Elijah syndrome' of doing it all alone; in despair and on the brink of burnout when there are thousands who share our passion and will help fuel the fire of ministry. This is the year for great things to happen as we get to know one another and find the blessing that God promises to those who dwell together in unity. So make room for some new folks, new opportunities and challenges but new power for the New Year.

Freddie Freebie: I have a fun video that you can share with your friends and students on evangelism. It's called 8 reasons why I can't share my faith. It is hilarious! If you're looking for a tight new clip to use for a message go to my website (www.GodStyle.com) and visit the download page for many other goodies.

Sharing the gospel from 'Street to Street',

Fred Lynch III
GodStyle Productions

Fred Lynch is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).

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