When I was a child...

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11

I have made a decision to finally put the childish ways behind me. I have been praying very hard about my purpose, my mission, my ministry in life. I have been so thoroughly dedicated to 3rd Place in the past 3 months that I really haven't had much time for anything else.

I am sort of just free form thinking here so I apologize if it is hard to follow.

3rd Place is continuing to grow - what a blessing!
The first 2 chapters of "Outside the Box" have drawn incredible reviews - thank you to those of you who have taken the time to read them!
Work has had its ups and downs - I am currently seeking new employment.
I have finally made the choice to go back to school - it has been almost 8 years in the making.

I found a program at Cincinnati Christian University offering an accelerated course schedule for working adults. You can earn a Bachelor's in 24 months attending classes one day a week. The degree is in Biblical Studies with an emphasis is Ministerial Leadership. This is a huge step as I basically turned my back on ministry once before. In hind sight, I feel that God was preparing me for a growth period, a re-formation, an emergence. I have dedicated myself to "postmodern" ministry for over a year know, and I am seeing the doors open more every day. I cannot continue to deny that God has a plan to use me in ministry. It is my joy and passion to teach others about Christ, and to equip them to do the same.

I will be honest it all scares me a lot. I mean, 7 years ago I dropped out of college. I had 3 years worth of classes under my belt. To be really honest, I flunked out, and decided not to pursue reviving my academic status. I didn't think that I was good enough to be a minister. I felt like a fake, a hypocrite. So I tried to change directions.
I quit.

But I look at all that came from that situation as a blessing. I met my incredible wife and was married. I worked in great places with wonderful people. I became involved in worship ministry. I was a sponsor for an awesome youth ministry. I contributed to forms of leadership in an incredible Church community. I took on roles as a small group leader. I was given the opportunity to start and facilitate 3rd Place. And now I am in the process of writing my first book. God has given me so many blessings and opportunities. He has also blessed me with unbelievable friendships. He has given me mentors to help guide and shape me. He has given me encouragers and "cheerleaders" to support me. He has given me honest friends to kick me in the butt when I need it.

I am so excited to see what will take place in the next 2 years. 3rd Place is my passion and ministry, and I will continue to pour all that I am into it.

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