a witness to the birth of a massive student center…
I spent my weekend at Saddleback Church during the unveiling of their student center dubbed “the Refinery”. It was truly remarkable to stand amidst the culmination of a dream of my friends, my youth pastor, a church, and a community.
There are so few places in suburbia where students are greeted with excitement and enthusiasm. There are even fewer designed with them in mind. Unless teenagers are buying something, they’re barely tolerated. Generally, they’re despised. So, to walk into a structure speaking the words “YOU’RE WELCOME HERE” was far more emotional than I had anticipated. It truly was a youth pastor’s dream.
I know no one needs a student center-type-building to tell a junior high/high schooler that they’re valued. No building ever told someone about the compelling love of Christ. But then, giving students the left overs and the unwanted does carry a message too.
The building, at 85% complete, was rife with energy, excited students, and curious and enlivened church members. I learned a lot. Mariners Church will open its student center in the Fall (cleverly named “STUDENT CENTER”) and I am equal parts excited and nervous about God’s future for the youth ministry at Mariners.
June 29, 2008 at 11:33 am
i agree with the philosophy that students should be given the attention that does not project afterthought. so many times this happens where they seem to get the left overs. thank god for churches like saddleback that seem to be getting it right.