April Update - Setting An Example & Doing What is Good

One of the great joys in my ministry is mentoring and teaching young men. Jesus’ strategy for leadership and discipleship was to assemble a group of men and share his life with them. This seems like a good strategy. I’m privileged to have a group of bright, energetic, and committed young men around me at CSF right now. They inspire me and spur me on with their questions and with their love and passion for Jesus and His Kingdom. I’m doing my best to fulfill Paul’s instructions to Titus concerning the young men in his life: "Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:6-8

I’m grateful to God for the mature and godly men He has put in my life that have influenced and shaped me through the years. Many of them have been teachers—Bible College and Seminary professors—some have been pastors. I realize that I don’t remember much of the content of their classes or sermons beyond a few choice phrases or ideas; but the content of their lives has a lingering impact. The power of witnessing lives well-lived before God and in service to others motivates me to not only teach well, but also to live well in the company of these young men.

God continues to open new doors for the ministry of CSF. We recently received an invitation to start a Bible study in the fraternity two doors north of the CSF Center. Andrew, one of the residents there, wondered if anyone from CSF could lead it. I don’t always see the opportunities God brings, but this one was hard to miss. To date I’ve met nine of the men and we have been studying the life of Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. This is a crucial first step in taking the Good News of Jesus to the greek system here at the U of M.

I’m excited by the potential I see in the young men around me right now. CSF has a long history of helping raise up pastors, missionaries, and leaders in the Kingdom of God. I am confident that the young men I’m working with will also find their places of leadership and service in the church and the Kingdom.