how to make the sun shine

reasons why I love my church:

1. They massivley support kids ministry!!!! Bring it on!
   
2. We are getting more and more creative with worship (excellent Smithers)
   
3. We have awesome older people that just love the young ones in the conregation, and can put up with the loud music... These people are seriously amazing, I have been personally encouraged by many of them, and I know a lot of other young people have been too.
   
4. We have a great group of intercessors. They're so committed and faithful.
   
5. Our national leaders are good quality leaders- they're not airy fairy pie in the sky penties, but down to earth, God fearing, well grounded in the Bible, as well as Spirit lead people who love the Lord, and His Church, and are willing to step out in faith.
6. They masively value young people and are committed to seeing them released into "ministry". If it wasn't for that, people like me wouldn't have a chance!
   
7. We have a great Kids Ministry leader. I mean really, she's amazing...
8. We have great kids, they are growing more and more closer to God. We have a bunch of kids that are showing leadership, and are becoming such an improtant part of the church.
   
9. The families and parents rock: many families are totally committed to bringing their kids up in a godly way.
   
10. We have amazing grandparents who are committed to bringing their grandkids along, and pray for them like, all the time.
11. Our youth rock, great leadership shows in the qualitiy of disciples that are growing... I've seen youthies that came to know God through our youth ministry who are now going on in God, leading others to that place. Sweet.
12. Also our student minisrty must get a mention. It is truly amazing how much it has grown over the past few years. It has to be a God thing. The culture is very warm and friendly. You don't have to be someone to feel like you really belong there.
    
13. There seems to be a high standard of purity amoungst our young people. I notice this when I visit other places (admittingly warmer then Dunedin), and notice that the girls wear like, nothing. Not only that, but there doesn't seem to be the whole flirty thing happeing here as much as I've seen else where.
    
14. Our Senior Pastor is great! He's very supportive of the kids ministry, which can be easy to push down the priority list for such busy people. He has a massive heart for young people, and the people in our city. He's and excellent leader.
    
15. We're not stuck in a rut. Along way of perfect, yes. But everything that is done is with purpose, and if it's purpose no longer exists then it gets the axe. So we're open to change, which is a scary thing. So the ability to take those risks shows the quality of our leadership!
16. We value good coffee. Only the best makes the cut!
17. Oh evangelism: its getting higher on the priority list, and there are oppertunities to step outside your comfort zone and give it a go, and also make it a way of life!
18. Life Groups are a growing thing. More good life groups seem to be emerging over the past year or so. People are really getting connected into the community this way. My Life Group totally rocks, personally I think it's the best! Hehe. Stronger relationships are definatly growing through life Groups, along with true discipleship and pastoral stuff. Every week after LG I'm totally buzzing, not because of hype or anything, but because I feel loved, valued, I've learnt something or been challenged, and also supported.
    
19. Cliques seem to be fading. While cliques aren't all bad, they definalty can cause people to feel like they're on the outside. But I've see people interacting with a more diverse group of people.
    
20. The "arty types" have been given freedom to do their thing, when previously they were quite misunderstood.
    
21. I'm planted. I'm growing here. I love it.