ministry "platform"

Yesterday, I purchased a great book. At least after 24 hours of reading, it seems as though it will be one of those non-Christian books that will change the course for my ministry life and personally change me. Michael Hyatt, chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishing, has a new book out on the NY Times bestseller list entitled, Platform: Get noticed in a noisy world! (michaelhyatt.com) The subtitle of the book caught my attention when I first heard the buzz... "a step-by-step guide for anyone with something to say or sell" I could hear my inner voice crying out; some would call it my ego... "I've got something to say to the world about life, family, church ministry, teenagers, and new church development!" But as the books states, today there is so much communication and modes of communication and information flying everywhere that to be heard is virtually impossible. And I immediately thought about the "good news" that you and I are trying communicate with teens and their parents; "good news" about Jesus and His life-changing plan and purpose for each of us. Lately, I've been feeling like no one is listening; no one seems to care about the message. Have you stopped long enough to ask yourself "why"? Maybe this is not true of your church family and your youth ministry, but where I cme from and spend most of my time in ministry, people seem uninterested! Are we really being heard? Are we communicating the right message? Does our message contain a "wow factor" (from the book)? Is it "good news" to us? More on this later as I continue to read... thanks for letting me share my heart each week! I hope my words and ideas and sharing is helping you to survive, energize and thrive in your calling to teens and their families. Have a great Memorial Day weekend with family, friends and your church family. For next time, begin to think about the word, "drift", and how that word/idea rleates to your spiritual life and your ministry life. Be blessed!