Jamie Tworkowski (TWLOHA) will be at Central Christian Church on the weekend of March 28/29. Through a powerful story and Myspace a world wide movement has exploded. The Student Ministries team has cranked to into mach speeds trying to connect students and local schools to this opportunity. We went into this with reservations but we what we have discovered has been amazing.

Here are a few of our discoveries:

1. Students want to be part of a "CAUSE". Yes, might sound elementary, but don't let this thought pass you by. Students are looking for something significant to link their arms with – to give their lives to – to invite their friends to be a part of.
2. Schools need help! Yes . . .the separation of church and state is always out there banging on our foreheads. BUT . . .school administration also want to help kids/teenagers. We have found extreme openess to partner with us!
3. Excitement (aka . . . the big MO): If you can create something so big – that every student is talking about it . . .the momentum carries you. Forget the "church" label" . . .sometimes students don't know what they are looking for, but they are looking.

I have a lot more thoughts . . .exciting stories are rolling in. More thoughts and stories to come!

The Family Ministry team had a small goal for this year:

Raise $60,000 in Camp Scholarships.

A small goal . . .but essential.  Well, I am happy to say that we hit the goal today!  What an exciting faith journey we – as a team – have been on. I wanted to quickly share several lessons we learned along the way and how we reached our goal.

1. Team Effort: Yeah, sounds like one of those "contrite" sayings. BUT IT IS TRUE. Every person on the team pulled on the same rope.  Jud Wilhite (Sr. Pastor) and Mike Bodine (Sr. Leader) were essential in casting vision.
2. Vision: It’s all about vision. (O.K. . . another simple saying.) Seriously . . .the vision of camp is simple. It’s about the life impact of a child/student.  There is nothing more impacting in the life of a child/student than a week of camp.  People get that and want to be a part of it!
3. The Plan: We came up with a killer plan . . . simple, yet strategic. We had staff writing "support letters" . . .like a missions trip.  We had leaders owning the need with us.  Students . . .gave scholarships because they caught the vision.
4. Follow Through: Everyone stepped up to the plate to accomplish it. Accountability was high.

I could get in the weeds . . .maybe I will later.  What I know . . . is God moved in the hearts of so many to impact the lives of kids/students.

IJune 23-28 is IGNITE . . . a Jr. High and High School experience (camp, conference, etc.) located on the campus of UCLA.  It is going to be a week filled with life impacting moments, relational connection, incredible worship, and a ton of Fun.

For more information, email me at chris.trethewey@centralchristian.com.

Look for the launch of our new website:  IGNITE EXPERIENCE.

It doesn’t matter the size of your church – 100 -1000 – 10,000 . .. this principle is the same.  The formula for church is growth is the same.  You build/grow a church . . .1 life at a time.  If people feel personally connected, they will stay and be a part.  If people feel like they are just a part of the "masses" . . .then they won’t stay.

I received this email this week and i wanted to share it with you . . . the power of impacting "1".