Taking a load off

I just wanted to update people on the Youth Pastor Diet. If you haven't heard of it yet, it's a competition that partially spun off because of a guest post I wrote for morethandodgeball.com
It is a 90 day challenge for youth pastors to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. At this point collectively we have lost over 460lbs.

It is pretty amazing to see a group of men and women willing to get into better physical shape (though I am sure the money is motivating some of them).

At this point in the competition I have lose 3.5% of my body weight from the beginning. That puts me under 200lbs. Now if you know me that means lighter then when I moved to the west cost. In just 5lbs I will be lighter than Amy (my wife) has ever known me.

My weight loss journey this year has had its ups and downs but this now my highest moment. I have now lost at least 41lbs( we didn't own a scaled the first few weeks of starting the weight loss). The great thing is I have still eaten: fries,pizza,burgers,chocolate,ice cream,candy, and chips. I have made is sustainable and overall pretty fun (though Amy might tell you my flare ups of Hangrrrr have not been fun)

Hangrrrr- Anger as a result of being hungry.

I hope this inspires some of you and encourages others.

-Kyle

No Jesus Talk

Dodgeballs getting whipped at dozens of miles per hour. People getting hit in the back, butt, stomach and 2 head shots. Sounds like fun doesn't it? It sure was a great event. We had 6 fringe students, 2 newcomers and a bunch of regulars come out for a 3 hour dodgeball tournament tonight.

We played several styles of dodgeball: Doctor, team vs team, every man for themselves, the growing team. It sure was an amazing night. We took a break in the middle to hydrate with Coke and eat chips, gummy bears and sour patch kids (for those following me that know I'm on the Youth Pastor diet, please note I only had one sip of coke and 3 chips)

When all was said and done I didn't do a single talk. Now I know for a lot of people that is a huge no-no. We always talk about Jesus because it might be the only time those students ever hear about Jesus. And I totally agree it is super important to share Christ with every student we can.

But I also believe that as churches we make it really hard for students to invite friends to church activities. They are scared their friends will reject what they believe or worse yet, think they have been tricked and won't continue to be their friend.

To counteract this I have decided that on occassion I prepare an event that has lots of hype and fun where students can invite their friends to come connect and feel loved. The point of this event is to slowly show their friends how loving our community is and that it is a welcoming and non-hostile place. The hope behind this is the students will make a meaningful connection and come to subsequent events where they can hear the message of Christ.

Some might think it's foolish, but I am hoping the risk will pay. I am trusting Christ will shine through myself and especially my students so others may know him.

-Kyle