Kyle Mitchell

A season ends

Since I moved here, Lisa and I started hosting a LIFE group for adults at our home.  In the past 3 years we've met and maintained some incredible friendships as we've "done life together".  We've launched out several new groups over the years and, i guess in a way, that's what we're doing now, except we're launching out to a brand new demographic, so most of our current group is gone.  We'll really miss the regular contact and updates with everyone. 

God has placed a desire in Lisa and I to reach the 18-25 year old's around us, so we're starting a group for them in January.  It's a new venture, but God is already revealing the need and drawing people to our group.  I can't wait to see what's in store for us in the next season of "life together"

All Zone Party ON!

Tonight was great fun. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time.  I think the funniest moment was seeing Eric play volleyball.  I think he should rename it body ball.  We were getting our tails kicked and I hate to lose, but at some point when you are getting beat so bad you just have to start having fun. So, we had tons of fun.  I did enjoy seeing some great volleyball being played by the other team.  They were really playing well as a team and worked together.  In addition to the great volleyball, I loved seeing students having fun all over the gym and friends just hanging out.  I wished we could have done the "pie in the face" because I know how much fun the game can be, but it was still cool with out the game.  Maybe next time.  And I know that I'll probably be the main target...but hey, if you can't take a pie in the face for your friends to laugh at, then what kind of youth pastor would I be?  I'll see you all at the next AZ party in January.  We'll be bowling at the Lenewee Rec Center!

Ladies night

Tonight, I can say that I did something that I haven't done in years.  Typically I spend the majority of my ministry time hangin' with the guys.  But tonight, I ventured into the mystery world of a small group of girls.  I filled in for the 11-12th grade girls of Zone 1.  I didn't get my nails painted or hair braided while I was in there, but I did help solve the dilemma of do you choose the sub-dub dress or the friend if you can't have both.  It was a touchy subject with many possibilities.  But I think we came to a great solution.  More than that I loved that the getting to know some great ladies and discussing Christ in our lives.  It was awesome!

Zone Prayers

At last Wednesdays CrossFIRE, we had 3 prayer stations set up for people to use to become more intimate with God.  I wanted to pass on the prayers that were written for the Zones.  It's so cool to see what students are asking God for.  I can't wait to see it happen!

Zone 1:  "Rekindle the fire in their souls and give the passion again--renew their spirits and give us courage to take a stand for you."

    "Be with the students in Zone one and give them a heart after you."

Zone 2:  "Open hearts and minds to what you have planned for them -- help them to accept your will and seek you with their whole hearts."

    "Dear Lord I pray that you just touch the lives of the people in this life group and just bring them together."

Zone 5:  "I pray that you will touch the lives of the people in this zone and open their eyes up to you"

Feel free to add prayers for a zone by leaving a comment!

Cloning

Now that we've gone to 5 zones of ministry we're able to connect with many more High School students.  The down side is that I can't be at every LIFE group every week.  I'm really missing that interaction already.  So whats a ministry supposed to do at this point?  I'm thinking that I'm very grateful that we've got awesome, ministry minded adults that are stepping up to be "Minnie Me's" in a zone.  Zone leaders and LIFE group leaders are catching a vision to invest in the students in more tangible ways.  Since I know that one human can only really impact so many lives, this new model is expanding the lives that we can effectively impact.  So, although I miss the depth of getting to know all the students, I'm excited about the scope of impact that we now can have at C4.  I'm glad that ministry is outgrowing my ability to be in all places.  And I'm also glad there's only one me!  I'm sure that one in the world is plenty!

Zoning Laws

As we started our HS Zones last week with our all Zone party, I've been reflecting on the vibe from the night and praying for the 1st "in the zone" launch this Sunday night.  There's probably more to learn that we're ready for, yet I really sense God's movement in this direction. There's an anticipation that's developing because no one really knows what to expect.  So I just thought I'd throw out some last minute words to the leaders before it all kicks off.

1.  THANKS!  Thanks for following leadership, even when you don't know exactly where it's gonna take you.  I'm so grateful to be surrounded by people sold out to Christ who are willing to step up and lead out in a new way to fulfill our mission statement of "Sharing Christ with all students..."  It honestly would NOT be happening without your involvement.  God has called you to be a part of reaching this generation. 

2.  Keep relationships the focus.  Ya, we've got material to cover.  FUEL promises to be cutting-edge video that will get the kids dialoging about scripture and digging into the bible like never before.  And I hope that it delivers.  But honestly, my bet on the biggest impact on a life is NEVER the material.  It's always on the relationship.  Students remember when they are loved and valued long after the material has become outdated and stacked up on the shelf.  So love 'em with all you've got and let the students in your zone know that there is a place where real people love real people.

3.  Focus on who's there, not who doesn't show up.  Don't get me wrong, i want us to be aware of students that could come, but didn't.  We need to reach them (see mission statement).  However, during the group give 100% attention to the students who are there.  In that moment, they matter the most.  They are there, invest in them.  Then go home and follow up with the ones who couldn't make it, and let them know they are important to you.

4.  Pray.  I know this is obvious, but let's keep it simple this year.  Nothing we do matters, unless God does what only He can do and changes hearts and lives.  Saturate everything you do with time before God, seeking Him, and ask for great things in the lives of students. 

5.  Go where the students are.  Don't expect them to come to a LIFE group unless you are involved in their life.  There life happens in and around campus.  The local school is their world and all social events, happenings, drama and trauma, happens daily.  Get active in that environment.  Meet a small group kid for lunch.  Drop of a "care package" at the office for them to come get.  Offer them a ride to a rival's game.  Be creative and look for ways to partner with the school.

OK...that's all i can think of for now.  I can't wait to see what God's got planned.

Zone 4 Kicks It Off

Last night The Clark's (our zone 4 host home) hosted a hayride and potluck that served as a magnet for kids from Onsted school and the surrounding area. What was so impressive to me was the shear volume of students that I had NEVER seen before. The vision of reaching these students by having things for them in there own zone was happening right before my very eyes. I'm so grateful for the Clarks and Tyler and Mary Anne Thomas for their willingness to plan ways to reach students in their zone!

Middle Schools Up and Running

Tonight our Middle School LIFE groups got going again.  It was an electric atmosphere.  John Dennis took the bull by the horns and took off out of the shoot.  It was a wild ride.  Exactly what you'd expect to see on opening night.  There was something happening all over the gym.  Leaders were interacting with students and students were laughing and meeting new friends.  I loved watching all the excitement.  We had the largest opening night we've ever had and I met many new faces in the crowd.  I'm so glad to be a part of such a great bunch of leaders who are committed to building relationships with students.  Kudos to all the volunteers on the C4 staff and John!

LIFE Group Zones

This fall my desire is to see LIFE groups formed near the school districts where students are involved.  I know that many students call Crossroads their church, yet these students remain unconnected to other students and to the Church Body or Student Ministry.  I know that the best place for Students to get connected is by serving together on a ministry team and/or meeting together with a group of peers for encouragement and spiritual growth.  We've drawn a 25 mile radius around our church and located the school Districts in this circle and then created 5 new Zones to launch LIFE groups in for the Fall.  (Student Sign-ups will start in August.)  Zone 1: Adrian, Lenewee Christian, Madison, Blissfield, Deerfield.  Zone 2:  Sand Creek, Madison.  Zone 3:  Hudson, Pittsford, Waldron.  Zone 4:  Onstead, Addison, Brooklyn, Columbia, Napoleon.  Zone 5:  Tecumseh, Clinton, Britton-Macon, Manchester.  Because we have "school of choice" here in our county students can either choose to go to their school district zone or to the LIFE group in their community.  In the past, we've had many students who wanted to be in a LIFE group but traveling back to Adrian on a Sunday night made that hard.  This fall my prayer is that more students will choose to get connected and can be encouraged to make a difference for Christ on their school campus.