Highlight of My Week

I've been meeting with the group of guys pictured above every Tuesday night (during the school year) in their homes for the past 6 years. They are a part of a small group that I co-lead with Watermark Student Ministries. We began meeting together when they were starting 6th grade and now the guys are wrapping up their junior year of high school. I can't believe that we only have one more year left before the guys disperse for college!

Tonight is our final meeting of this school year. My co-leader and I will be reading letters of encouragement we've written to the guys, reflecting on this year, discussing summer plans, and reviewing and signing our Small Group Covenant for next year.

This type of small group that sticks together year after year has become the norm here at Watermark. The vision for really, really relational ministry has developed into one of the most influential ministry models that I've ever experienced. The community that's being developed and the investments being made by leaders into students' lives has been incredibly rewarding to watch. I feel so blessed to be a part of it and I continue to grow in a passion to help others share the same experience.

One question that keeps me up at night is: Why aren't lasting, authentic relationships the centerpiece of more student ministries?