Showing posts with label Phoenix First. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix First. Show all posts

Wanted: Opinions

I need your help blog readers.

Next Monday I have the privilege of speaking to youth leaders from all over the country. Our Youth ministry, ThreeSixty, is holding a conference (www.redefinedleaders.com) prior to Pastor's School at Phoenix First.

(I may have just broken the link per sentence world record)

Anyways, back to the point. I NEED your help. Jesse Watson and I are doing a workshop on ministry in the 21st Century. During our "allotted time frame" we will be tackling the topics of social media, dynamic services, and personal networking. I have my personal opinions of what works and what doesn't, but I also realize I don't know nearly as much as I think I do.

That's why I want to know what you think.

If you are willing to help, leave a comment with your personal answers to these questions:

1. What is the most creative/off the wall idea you've ever seen/experienced in a church service?

2. What would make you more eager to interact with a church via FB, Twitter, YouTube, etc.? Do you believe that online ministry is an effective way to connect people with the local church? Why/Why Not?

3. Would you be willing to interact w/ a church that offers mobile notes, polls, and key scripture references during service? (i.e. and interactive service)

4. What is your purpose for personal networking? What drives you to read blogs, follow people on Twitter, and add friends on FB? (Be honest, I won't judge, other readers might, but not me.)

Your help and honesty will help me better equip other leaders that attend this workshop. I believe all of the principles Jesse and I will be discussing have a very important role in The Church and it's mission. The internet is becoming it's own nation so we have to find a way to share the gospel within it's borders.

Again, I value your opinions and want to learn from the people that stop by Revamp.

You are all awesome and I appreciate the help.

Happy Answering,
Shane

One.20

Two nights ago ThreeSixty JV/Varsity held it's first outreach service of the year. Students from all over the Phoenix area gathered in The Stadium at Phoenix First for a night of complete mayhem. We worshiped, danced, partied, and responded all for the glory of God. Here is a a little clip from one of my favorite moments of the night:



There is something awesome about students getting pumped during a church service.

I Love What I Do,
Shane

(PS-Please excuse the Cloverfield style camera work and the really excited kid in the hoodie. Thanks.)

A New Year

It's a New Year.

That means it's time to begin changing the world.

2009 was a great year and all, but it has nothing on twenty ten.

This year everything can change. We can continue along the path of yesterday or move into the vastness of tomorrow. God has already written each day, it's about time we start sticking to His plan.

I want to see great things in this new year. I believe God has big plans for me individually, just like He has for each of you. I'm not guaranteed tomorrow, that's why I will be living each day to impact the world in a way that is unique to me.

I want you to do the same.

Live today in a way that no one else can. Do something significant and distinct. Be the best at what you do and focus on the purpose God has for your life right now.

I believe God has even bigger plans than we do for 2010.

I look at marriage, a pastors license, and a new role in leadership at church and think I have a lot going on the road ahead. I couldn't imagine being the God of the universe, who could ever keep His calendar? He knows it all, let His direction and peace cover every plan you have for this year.

Do something big in twenty ten. Break habits, form healthy relationships, work hard, seek God more, and enjoy every second of each day.

After all, you only get one 2010, and God willing that means you have 365 chances to change the world.

What Are You Waiting For,
Shane

The Great Toy Giveaway


This is my church.

I am so thankful to be a part of Phoenix First Assembly. Yesterday was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I have never been so humbled as I was standing in the middle of that sea of people. As each family walked by I couldn't help feel proud of my church. The smiles on the faces of the children gave me a deeper understanding of Matthew 25:40:

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (NIV)

Do something for Him this Christmas.

This Is Christmas,
Shane

Service Night One

Here are a couple of videos from tonight's service. Pastor Allen Griffin brought it and Worth Dying For led us into God's presence:




The night is closed and the students are heading to late night down on the youth walk. God moved, lives were rocked, and we are already anticipating tomorrow! I hope you are enjoying this inside look of azyc09. The Arizona Students are world changers!

So Much More On The Way,
Shane

Countdown To Convention

Creation Dance

40 Second Dance

Stupid Human Trick

Pop Lock Dance

Pre Show Intro

Lights, Sounds, & Screens





"This is where the magic happens". These guys are the brains of our operations. Tonight will be the best production in azyc history.

Running Like A Headless Chicken,
Shane

Pre-Show Run Thru


We can only hope you're this excited...

Just wait for the show.

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part Three

You know, it's actually kind of difficult to narrow my "4 Things I Can't Wait For" down to just "4 things". I am actually, completely excited for every part of Youth Convention. There is so much work being put in all across the board and I know it will show throughout this weekend. When the students file in and all the seats are filled, we will know exactly what is about to take place.

Having said all of that, if I have to narrow it down I would say that #3 on my list of "can't wait for's" is the altar.

If you have never experienced a Youth Convention altar call then I encourage you find a means of transportation and head to Phoenix First tomorrow night around 8:30. You won't be able to get in, but you will be able to feel the presence of God seeping through the door cracks.

When you gather 2000 eager and accepting students in one auditorium and they seek after God, mountains can truly move. The altar is the most dynamic part of Youth Convention. Now, I'm not saying that because we're at Youth Convention, God decides to give us a little more than anyone else, but I am saying that because we expect it He shows up in force.

(Now if we could just take that back to our churches. Oh wait, that's for later. ;-) )

The altar is going to be a place where the hard work and prayer that is going into AZYC09 pays off. Lives are going to be changed and Christ is going to do what He does, seek and save.

Be Prepared,
Shane

Final Touches

It's taking form...YOU will complete it.

Bring It!

-Shane

Want To See The Preshow Cue Sheet?



You didn't think I was going to give away all the secrets, did you?

Not Quite Yet,
Shane

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part Two

I cannot wait for Lunch on Saturday...

Wait, what?

Yeah, seriously, I can't wait for lunch, and it's not because of the food either.

I am pumped for the break between sessions because that means it's time to connect. Youth convention is more than just the show and service. It's about the students and youth leaders of Arizona coming together in unity to get to know God and each other. That's why lunch is so important. It will be time to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and build deeper relationships with my group. It's a chance to share ideas with other leaders, discuss service, and chug your favorite drink all in a 2 hour and 15 minutes time increment. If you can't tell already, I love connecting with people and talking with them about who they are and what they do. Lunch will provide a perfect platform for me to do that.

So, all of that being said, come and find me at lunch on Saturday. Introduce yourself and who knows, maybe I'll throw a video or ridiculous picture of you up here on the blog. I want to meet you and I want to know what makes you, you!

Happy Lunching,
Shane

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part One

This weekend over 2000 students will gather together at Phoenix First Assembly for the Arizona Assembly of God District Youth Convention. This year is going to be unlike any we've ever had and I can't tell you enough how pumped I am to see everything come together.

Over the next 4 days I am going to highlight some incredible things that I can't wait to experience this weekend. Hopefully Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I will be able to post some video of everything that is taking place at convention.

The first part of AZYC09 that I'm pumped about is:

The Preshow.

This year ThreeSixty (our youth ministry @Phoenix First) is heading up the preshow.

I can't even tell you how stoked I am to see everything come together. This is going to be a night unlike any we've had at Youth Convention. Now, I'm not just saying this because we are doing it, I really mean it's going to be awesome. God has provided us with some incredible means to be able to do some larger than life things for the preshow this years. So, for about the first hour in the auditorium we will be eating, jumping, pulling, exploding, locking, painting, popping, and even rhyming our way into the open of Youth Convention 2009. "This Changes Everything" is the Speed The Light theme for '09 and the preshow will truly be living up to this theme.

If you are a student or youth worker/leader and are attending Arizona Youth Convention 2009 make sure to have your students in their seats and ready for an incredible night as close to 6pm on Friday as possible. You don't want to miss the preshow!

If you have no clue what Youth Convention is but want to see what I'm talking about be sure to check back here at Revamp often this week, as I will be posting videos, pictures, and who knows what else to keep you in the loop with Arizona Youth Convention 2009!

Let's Get Things Activated,
Shane

A Revolution

We had an incredible night at Phoenix First yesterday. Our student ministry 360º was given to opportunity to run Sunday After Dark and it was incredible. For the first time in a long time, I felt a bond between a youth ministry and an entire church.
So many times I think the youth ministry separates from the church as a whole and I am so happy to be able to say that we are uniting. The vision of our leaders is to unite and "awaken" a generation (via Pastor Jason's sermon). That vision is one that, last night, ran throughout the entire church. It was one of the best feelings in the world to see that, from young to old, everyone wanted God to move in our student ministries. Behind the battle cry of Pastor Barnett, the entire congregation seemed to rally behind us and take on the trouble our students are facing. This unity is remarkable and it is my prayer that churches across the globe understand that our students are the NOW generation. That as we move towards the future of our world, the young people have to be a priority. We need the support of everyone that has gone before us, so that life will change for those after us. God is using students and the faster they feel support, the faster God revives this world.
Thank you Phoenix First and everyone involved in making 360º a place of unity. I am so thankful to be a part of what God is doing and can't hold back my excitement. I'm thankful that you all have welcomed me with open arms and I can't wait to see this generation change the world.

WE can do all things through Him...

-Shane

Goodbye. Hello.

This Sunday was one of the best/hardest days I've had so far. On one end I had the chance to see exactly what God had planned for me in one place and on the other end it was time to say goodbye.
I have grown up at Mesa First Assembly of God. It's been my home church since my family and I moved to Arizona 11 years ago. I have grown up in this same church every Wednesday and Sunday. Every week I would say hi to the same people and meet the new ones. I would sit through service and text (don't act like you didn't), I did the puppets in kids church (at least act like you did), I was a leader in youth, I was baptized both in water and in the Holy Spirit, and I even came back to God after a couple years of turning away. All of this happened in that one church on the corner of Lindsay and Baseline.
Over the past year it has been the place that has launched and nurtured God's plan for my life. I began interning when I realized I was called to full time ministry and Mesa First has brought me so far. I have had the opportunity to intern under the most innovative and humorous person I know, Sam. He has become a closer friend and mentor than I ever could have dreamed of. Seriously, the guys farts around me all the time, that's pretty close. He has brought me up in the ways of youth ministry and taught me more than I even knew possible. I have had so many opportunities to grow and stretch at Mesa First and I have done my best to take all of them. I am so thankful that I was raised at such an incredible church, by such incredible people. Every person, from the pastors and the secretaries, the church janitor, the board members, THE STUDENTS, to the congregation; everyone has somehow impacted my life for good. I am so happy to have been a part of such an incredible ministry and to have worked with such incredible people. There is no way I am saying goodbye, because although I am leaving to blaze a new trail, the friendships I have made are much stronger than being at a different church.
I know that God has huge plans at Phoenix First. It is a whole new journey for me and I can't wait to see what's in store. I have the opportunity to intern under one of the most genuine guys I've ever met (Pastor Jesse) and I plan to jump at as many opportunities as possible. I believe so strongly that God is going to do something remarkable. Not because I am a remarkable person, but instead because I have devoted myself to obedience. He has something up His sleeve and when he reveals it I know it will blow my mind. I am stoked to make new friends and offer what I have to a new church. I am going at this with all I got. I expect God will give me all he's got too. I'm ready, willing, and excited for this new path on the journey.
Let's go God, me and You. You made the stars in the sky, the oceans that roar, and you made me. If you can surround me with beauty what kind of beauty can you empower me to be a part of? Shake this world and let me be a part!

Here We Go,
Shane