First UMC, Plano
Oh, FUMC Plano! I am so grateful for your patience, persistence, and grace while I learned what working in a church was really all about!
During my 3+ years at FUMC I had three different job titles - all of which I was far less than qualified to hold.
First, I was the Assistant Youth Minister. I spent plenty of time doing office work, prepping rooms for Sunday School and Bible study, and working on the monthly Youth Newsletter. I also spent plenty of time building relationship with the youth, parents, and youth sponsors. I learned how to lead a Bible study, teach a Sunday School class, and successfully lead a game for youth. I am indebted to Hilary for teaching me.
Second, I was the Interim Youth Minister. When Hilary left to be a mom, I took over responsibility for the youth group. Fortunately this only lasted a few months because I was in way over my head. During this time I realized that the ins and outs of Youth Ministry are far more complex than I had originally thought and that I was ill-equipped to handle the pressures of leading a youth group of that size. I am indebted to the Youth Sponsors & Sunday School teachers (Mark, Yo, Kevin M, Dan, Kevin C, and many others) who made me look good when I didn't have a clue.
Third, I was the Minister with Young Adults. When Brady came on staff to be the Youth Minister, I shifted my attention to college students within our community. In the 18 months I held this position I learned how to develop new programming where there was none before, learned to market a new ministry, and develop relationships with 20-somethings who were both my peers and my responsibility. I am indebted to those who joined our efforts at launching a new ministry with a guy who had never done that before - especially Terri, Andrew, Pat, Sara, and others.
Outside of my direct responsibilities I worked on several projects that required heavy lay involvement. Some of them went better than others, but all of them went better because I realized I couldn't do it alone.
Thank you to all the wonderful people at First UMC, Plano! I learned great lessons during my time there and I will carry them with me for the rest of my ministry.
Tomorrow - Holy Covenant UMC, Carrollton!
1 comment:
Thank you, Dean, for all the hard work you put into the Young Adult program at FUMC Plano. I am so appreciative of all the studies we did together (Sunday school, CABS, & Wednesday nights - how did you do all that?)!
And thanks for taking the time to sit down with me one-on-one. It was extremely important to my formation as a Christian.
Congratulations again on ordination! Hope to catch up sometime soon!
-Andrew
Post a Comment