Seminary Soccer
The Seminary students like to spend their down time playing soccer. Today was the championship between the freshman and sophomores and the juniors. The seniors were all studying for finals, I think.
The Final, Final Exam
Today I administered the last final exam of the seminary career of our first youth ministry graduate. It was an interview-type exit exam for my Professional Orientation to Youth Ministry class. Both students in the class did very well. It was bittersweet because it was the last final exam for Huberto, the first graduate in youth ministry.
Huberto has been with me from day one at the seminary. We’ve been through a lot together. We have spent a lot of time together in class and out of class, talking about ministry and life in general.
I can’t believe four years are over. We’re entering a new era of ministry in Mexico. Huberto will definitely be part of our team here in the future. He has the passion and calling to train youth workers, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits into the vision for youth ministry training in Latin America.
Please pray for him as he finishes up with a few projects for various classes.
VIDEO: Class of 2008
The graduating class at the seminary has 6 bachelor’s degree graduates and four others who will be graduating with the equivalent of an associates degree. It’s the first graduating class that includes a graduate in youth ministry. Here’s a quick video of them yesterday during their photo shoot.
You can also check out the video here.
The Greatest Need
At the end of my class today, I asked my seminary students what they thought the greatest need was in the lives of Mexican young people. The only rule was that they couldn’t say the typical answer of “Jesus.” After thinking about it a little, they gave me great answers, all of which centered around the same theme.
Oscar said that he thought the greatest need is direction. Young people in Mexico have lots of potential, but they have little direction and guidance. They are wandering and thus get into trouble.
Chaire gave her opinion, and she said that they need love. Young people need someone to demonstrate love to them in a tangible way, because they are not receiving the right kind of love.
Huberto agreed with both Oscar and Chaire, and he said that Mexican young people need good mentors. They need someone who will invest their life in them and share with them the struggles of life. He said that many young people in the area are eager to make a difference, but they have nobody to guide them and help them accomplish their goals.
Abraham walked in for my next class, so we asked him the question. He responded by saying that he thought the biggest need in the lives of young people was someone who would take interest in them and share with them about their own life. He said they need someone who will come alongside them and be open to listen and accept them, sharing with them the struggles of life.
Isn’t this what youth ministry is all about? It’s why we are training these youth pastors at the seminary. I want to see them make an impact where there is a need. I believe they know what to do, and they are on their way to doing it in each of their ministries. They are providing direction, love, and guidance. They are great mentors and role models, and they have an incredible grasp on the needs of their students.
Expectations from My Students
We were talking in class on Tuesday about The Law of Expectation in the book “The Seven Laws of the Learner.” Basically, the Law of Expectations says that the teacher should adjust their expectations and expect the best from their students.
After telling them my expectations for them, I decided to ask them what their expectations were from me. Here’s what they told me:
- That I don’t give up.
- That I be their friend/mentor more than just a professor.
- That I work to have the best Center for Youth Ministry that we can have.
- That I continue to treat them as part of a team.
I’m sure they mentioned other things, but these were the ones that stood out the most to me. It told me a lot about what they think of me, and it encouraged me to continue working hard to do what God has called us to do.
I’m inspired by my students and excited about their potential to change the world. They are true ministers with the vision to see God impact the lives of young people. They have the capability to carry out the vision, too. I know that their ministries are going to be fruitful and have an impact now and in the future. They are crazy enough to change the world.
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