Last Day at Central Community

This is just about where it all began. Summer Camp 2004. I had been serving as full time youth pastor for about three months. It all started when the youth pastor I was interning for quit unexpectedly. The church asked me to fill the role, I said "yes." Then they asked me, "are you sure?" That was in April of 2004. I had just finished my sophomore year of college and was extremely under-qualified. The church trusted me and we both had trust in the Lord. I thank God for my dad and the people of Central Community for giving me that opportunity to say yes to my calling, and then go in the direction the Lord was leading me. After seven years of full time youth ministry at Central Community I must continue to go where God leads. I have taken a new youth ministry position at Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church, in Laguna Niguel, California. It has been an amazing time of community, service, and ministry at Central Community. I have learned more from my Dad and Pastor Ken, the associate pastor, than one could ever gain in any class or lecture and I thank them for sharing their wisdom with me. The learning process continues and I look forward to building on the knowledge I have gained. Pray for me as I continue on this journey.

John.

When we were young.

This has to be my favorite video of all time. We all look so young!

Say What? Top 20 Youth Ministry Blogs of 2010

Youth Specialties is great. I highly recommend their resources and all the guys on staff are awesome. They missed it with this one!!! Who can resist my once a year blogs? In case you forgot what sets my blog apart.

Take this "top 20".

John

NYWC: Sometimes It Blows Up In Your Face

The National Youth Works Convention is awesome. They do an amazing job with programing and always have a bunch of great speakers and bands. Check it out here www.nywc.com

Youth Minister'd

That's pastor Ken. He was my youth pastor. I hope Ken wakes up every morning with the knowledge that he has changed many students lives over the years. Ken showed us first hand how to take part in ministry and how to show others the love of Christ. He also was highly skilled at programing crazy events and could keep up with anyone at tackle football (yes in the 80's and 90's tackle football was still cool with church insurance). More than anything Ken has shown me that through strong work ethic and faith anything is possible. Thanks to Ken, the other youth pastors in my life, and everyone out there right now serving our Lord, through youth ministry.

"Let's give them something to blog about"

Following suite of the rest of the blogger-sphere I have decided to let you know the top five things I enjoy blogging about:

1. Church
2. Trips I am going on
3. Stuff I enjoy as a person: Angels Baseball, Surfing, and Fishing
4. Family
5. Recent or current events!
   

The best thing about blogging is the freedom to write whatever you would like. This is also the worst thing about blogging, people complain non-stop. As I always say, bloggers are complainers. Here's to blogging about all of the positive things!

John

The end of a Legacy.

The end of a Legacy often means the beginning of a new one. Phil Hamer; Surfer, film maker, human rights activist, friend, and family member. Phil and his wife recently packed up shop in San Diego and are headed to their new home in Seattle, Washington. Phil does not like Starbucks or cyclist so please be praying for him while he is in Seattle. From the world of action sports and climate weather in San Diego, to a new lifestyle in Seattle. Phil is a man of selfless faith, following his next film where ever God sends him and his family. The world looks forward to Phil's newest project and everyone at youthpastorjohn.com wishes him the best of luck. Keep this guy in your prayers!

John

Enjoy the picture of Phil and I splitting the peak.

How to break a world record!

Stephanie and I, along with 43,500 other people joined the Guinness book of world records for the most people wearing a snuggie in one place!!! Talk about awesome! The angels lost because of Joe Saunders, but I won because of my free snuggie! What a fun night!

John

Surf Trip!

The youth group is going on a surf trip this Thursday thanks to a generous donation by a good friend. All the kids are so excited!!! Their youth pastor is too! So fun! Pray for us this Thursday!

This is what happens when you stop blogging for a few months

Thanks to all my concerned readers. The blog must go on! Life is good. I am safe.