Finishing

                This year we have 8 seniors who have graduated. That means there are 8 seniors who will be leaving our student ministry to embark on a new set of adventures in college. These 8 individuals will pursue completely different job and opportunities over the next few years. We have a pilot, a theater buff, an engineer, a doctor, and a missionary, just to name a few. As their pastor my hope is that while they have different career aspirations they remember most the thing that binds them together – their faith. There are numerous statistics that speak to high school graduates walking away from their faith. And if we apply those statistics to our 8 students at least 4 of them will choose to not attend church in college.

                While this number has the potential to paralyze there are other statistics which give me hope. For instance the statistic that says students who have a relationship with their pastor/church are more likely to stick with their faith. Or the statistic that says students are more likely to stick if they’ve taken their faith and hold it as their own. I pray that these statistics are indicative of our students. I pray that our graduated seniors feel the embrace of a loving savior and carry that into their first year of post high school education.

                In the end we’re talking about finishing and perseverance. This struggle is something that mature Christian’s have dealt with for years. Pain and difficulty challenges resolve and conviction. Faith either shines through or falters for a period of time. Most high school students haven’t had to deal with these things by themselves. This is why college is such a huge drop off point for students and their faith.

                I ask this summer that you take the time to pray for our graduates. I ask that you pray they persevere through the difficulties and new challenges of post-high school life and finish well. Statistics are helpful in determining trends and giving insight, but in the end it’s the Holy Spirit that has the final say.

Grace and peace to you this summer,

-Mat