Lesson 1. In ministry, you don't "replace," you can only "follow."

Today was a very special day for my congregation. It marked the last day in the office for our Youth Minister of the past 5 years. He was technically part-time, in that he taught in public schools full-time and spent Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings at the church office. But to look at the youth program today, you'd never know he held down 2 jobs. In 5 years and in the midst of major church transition (namely, "small church" to "big church"), he has established a vibrant, healthy, sound youth ministry for over 130 kids. He's directed our older kids camp for 2 years, led retreats every fall to Jan-Kay, and been heavily involved in LTC, Iron Springs, NETSYS, and a host of other youth ministry programs.

In short, he's done what most Youth Ministers can do in 5 years full-time...in "part-time" mode. Impressive.

I first met Keith 4 years ago, during the summer before I went off to college. He and his crew came to both of our summer sessions at Iron Springs Christian Camp. I got to know Keith and some of their teenagers. We got along well and I enjoyed getting to know him and his wife, Vickie. At the end of our second week of camp together in that busy summer of 2003, Keith offered me an internship with his church and the youth group for the following summer. I eagerly accepted, and after completing my freshman year at Harding University, I began my first internship with the Rockwall-Lakeside church of Christ (now Eastridge church of Christ) in Rockwall, TX. This fantastic summer quickly led into a second term in the summer of 2005, where I also took on the duties of a preaching internship. Summer 2006 found me filling the role of a Summer YM for a congregation nearby but still in close contact with the Rockwall church.

To make a long story short, there are 2 of us joining the staff here at Eastridge...not to "replace" Keith in anyway...no one can be replaced, especially not this man. No, we're here simply to follow...to take the next steps in the life of this church and its youth. A congregation is a living organism, and ours is simply in the next stage of development. Several fellow Youth Ministers whom I consider valuable mentors and role models told me one night at our camp this summer that there is no "replacing"... only "following." Don't try to replace, they told me; only follow and do your best to both carry on and add to what has been before.

So, for my first post (finally!) on this blog about ministry, I dedicate it to what has been before, and to what will be. I dedicate it to a very dear friend, colleague, and brother in Christ, who has done much to further the Christian walks of so many young people; who will still be there every Sunday, only in a different role; and who has impacted my life almost more than anyone I've ever met.

Keith Thomason, this one's for you. I pray that you know you can never, and will never, be replaced...we can only follow in the grand footsteps you've left behind.