Wow! What a whirlwind of a past few months. I’m updating my bio sitting at my new desk, in my new office, at my new church, in a new city, in a new state. In addition to everything being new, it’s also very different…
After spending 5 1/2 years at Dare 2 Share Ministries, a place I loved to work and with people I will always love, God did something amazing and called me and my family back into full time Youth Ministry in the local church. As bitter as it was to leave Colorado, Dare 2 Share and Northern Hills Christian Church it’s fantastic and exhilarating to be at Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City, TN where I am now serving as the Student Ministries Pastor.
I am so excited for this new adventure in life and what I am referring to as “Youth Ministry…the sequel!” God called me to serve Him in Youth Ministry almost 15 years ago and ever since then I have been doing everything I can to be obedient to His calling on my life. While I have always been involved in Youth Ministry on some level being back in the local church definitely feels like a dramatic change from my time at Dare 2 Share.
Bottom line: my heart is for the Lord and as a result of that passion God has burdened me for teenagers. Not just to love on them and let them know God loves them but to help them realize God’s calling on their life to make disciples who make disciples, no matter what that looks like.
In addition to the Youth Ministry side of life, I have been married to my beautiful wife Neva for 11 years. We have 2 sons: Christian Jason, who is going into 5th grade and Brayden Zachary, who turned 2 on July 15!
By the way, in addition to loving God, my wife, my sons, and teenagers, I love Starbucks coffee and Sushi! Feel free to send any and all Starbuck’s gift cards to Grace Fellowship Church, 2314 S Greenwood Dr, Johnson City, TN 37604. Just kidding…unless you thought I was serious in which case you can send them Attn: Jason Lamb! Please refrain from sending sushi.
You can also check me out on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In!
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
Jason,
My name is Michael . I am a huge dare2share fan. We met 3 years ago at Creation Northeast. I helped you set your table up for Greg during his talkback session. We also spoke a few times on the phone. Anyway. I have been in the ministry for 12 years. Some good years and some bad. I have been on staff at my current church now for 5 years. I am the Youth and Children’s Pastor as well as The Young Adult Pastor. My duties include Youth Sunday school and Wed night discipleship , Sunday morning Children’s church and 2xs a month Young adult ministry. I love the church and the people. This has been the best time of ministry yet! I have a great relationship with my Sr Pastor. He treats me as if I were his son. Unfortunately things are changing.
For the past 8 months my Youth attendance has fallen off the face of the earth. My Pastor and I believe that there are cycles in the church and we are currently in one. When I began here over 5 years ago our children’s ministry was lucky to have 8 students on a Wed. or Sunday morning. Youth on the other hand were around 25-40 on Wed night. We had Youth and Children’s ministry on Sunday nights. That fell away 2 years ago. The people with children just do not come. Currently our children’s ministry on Sunday morning averages around 15-20. Youth Sunday school class is lucky to have 2. Not including my wife and I. My problem is perception. There are many reasons why the youth don’t come and I am sure you could list them. I have planned events and have had zero students sign up. I have paid for in advance for events and the week of the event everyone that signed up bail. I’m really not sure of a strategy at this point to turn things around. I could list all of the excuses of the youth but, I believe that the buck stops with me. The perception of the people is what it is. I am approaching this as if I am the problem not the kids or their parents. Again my Pastor is very Supportive but, I don’t see how he can intervene. I want to deal with this before it becomes a big problem for my family and I. Your thoughts are very appreciated.
Blessings,
Michael
December 1st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Mike,
I just saw your post now (a little over a year after you shared it). I’m sorry for your struggles. I’m curious as to what has happened in this past year. Maybe your insights can help others who are dealing with the same thing.
Kyle (a brother in Youth Ministry)
October 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
[...] #2 since he was born this spring and he’s doing great. We also spent our weekend with some friends and joined them for an awesome worship experience on Sunday [...]
January 3rd, 2011 at 1:28 pm
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August 3rd, 2011 at 8:20 pm
I was able to read your updated About Me Page without crying from shear sorrow of having one of my favorite families in the world leave State Awesome. I’m so excited for you and Nevs in your new position and church! And when Chris, I and fam visit we are so going to eat sushi. So have a babysitter lined up and where we’re eating!
August 5th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Kaela – can’t wait for your visit. we can grab sushi anytime, anywhere. we miss you guys tons!!!!