Passing of the Baton

Have you ever run in a relay? I wasn’t fast enough to run any sprinting relays so my high school coach put me as the third runner in the 4x800 relay.

By Ty Thomas
Pastor of Student Ministries

I remember after the race had started waiting until it was my turn to take the baton.My heart was pounding, my stomach was churning. Thoughts of inadequacy and fear of failing my team were racing through my head knowing every eye was about to be on me. As the second runner came down the last stretch, my mind started to focus on the things I needed to do to run my best. The look on the face of that runner was always such an encouragement to me to run this race my best race ever. This runner who, though it cost them pain and energy, had given it their best and now was entrusting me with the baton and wanting me to represent the team now.

That’s kind of how I feel right now. Paul Lucks and John Matzke are two guys that I love dearly and respect so much. They have been so faithful to give it their all even when it cost them so much at times. They are now passing the baton on to me and a team of others. Their faithfulness and character are such an encouragement for me to want to carry on and to give it my very best. If I am honest, my heart is pounding, my stomach is churning and yes, even a few thoughts of inadequacy have run through my mind. But I know that the same God that was with John and Paul all these years is the same God I serve, and that by His grace we will be faithful to do our part in reaching teens in the Lincoln community.

I know that with transitions come lots of questions. On page 3 in the Featured Ministry of the Month, there is further information about the Youth Staff, the Directional Team and the programs for next fall. You can also find more information at www.lbcyouth.org.

Finally, I just want to share why I became a youth pastor. My life was changed forever during my teenage years. Someone cared enough to help me understand that God was worth giving my life to. I put my faith in Jesus and have never regretted that Godmoment.

I hope I can be a part of helping students have their own God-moments. My desire is to help build a community of students and leaders that encourage each other to authentically follow God with every fiber of their being. Man, I’m getting excited just thinking about what that would do to the city of Lincoln if 400 students live a life of love for God and others! Wow! Okay, I’ll settle down. Please pray for us. Pray for the students, the parents, the leaders and the staff as we step up and take that baton. Pray that we would be faithful before God with what has been entrusted to us from so many faithful people that have gone before.