I have sat down to start this blog multiple times to talk about the latest crazy things that are happening, but I always realize that I should start at the beginning.  It would be easy to rewind to our first big event or the day I moved to San Jose, but this journey began long before I moved here.  San Jose Christian Reformed Church has been dreaming of hiring someone to minister to youth in the community for a few years.  So, let's start with this crazy title that they came up with for me: Missional Youth Leader.  

You might be asking yourself, "What is that supposed to mean?" "Is that just a fancy pants name for a youth pastor?" and "Do other churches use this title?"  If you were to google the phrase "Missional Youth Leader," it would lead you right back here to SJCRC.  We are using a different name than everyone else, because we are doing something different.  Let's break it down:

Missional: The Message translation of John 1:14 says that "the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood."  Jesus moved in next door.  That is what started his ministry to us. Missionaries started doing this a long time ago, right?  You can't be a missionary in another country from your house in San Jose.  That would be impossible.  You have to move into that village, town, block, slum, or reservation.  You have to move into their community.  So, even though we might not be selling our houses or breaking our leases to move halfway around the world, let’s explore what it means to “go.”  Let’s not stay where it is comfortable and safe in our houses or our church, let’s go where people are!  

Youth: Thankfully, this is much easier to understand!  We use the word “youth” to refer to Middle School and High School aged people (6th-12th grade).  This time in life is almost always difficult and sometimes downright awful.  During this stage of life, students need love, care and attention from those who are older than them!  

Leader:  I really hope that, if you can read this, you already know what a leader is!  I do think that this word says a lot about my job, but even more about the role of the church.  It shows that I am not doing this alone, but leading a team.  It takes a whole group of caring adults to change the life of each student.  I am here to set adults up for successful friendships with students.  While I am the one leading the charge, we are all in this together.  

Let’s go, together, into the world of students, so that they may get a glimpse of the hope that Jesus offers to them in the midst of their chaotic lives!