Sam Masteller

Guest Speaker: Sam Masteller


Sam had me thinking. He got my gears to turn and think alot about how to start this youth group out in West York. One thing I absolutely loved about Sam is that he is very big on "follow up." Once a person comes to the Lord, he really begins to get that person involved with the church. They don't forget about the new believers. I feel that is extremely important especially with what we are doing this summer and the following with planting churches. In believing for 1000 salvations, we MUST follow up. We MUST get them plugged in or else they will be running aimlessly or worse yet, never changing at all and then return back to their former life style. How Sam does this is he has small groups, new believer's class, phone calls, and they get them involved by serving at the church. When he mentioned that he loves to put women in children's church to teach the kids Bible stories in order that the women will learn more about it as well, I was shocked. It's brilliant! What they missed as a child, they get to experience while teaching. I love it. Sam did amazing and it was refreshing to hear new ideas and helpful hints.

Wesley Shortridge

Guest Speaker: Wesley Shortridge


Due to the fact that I will be starting a youth group in West York with Rick Roth, I really needed to hear this. The truth is...I'm really nervous in starting this youth group. I feel as though I am being attacked with so many lies and fears. Wesley really challenged me in so many areas, especially in conquering my fear of stepping out. I love the fact that he went straight to the point and didn't beat around the bush. Yeah, there were a few things I didn't agree with, but I chose to look past that fact and take into consideration that we all have our own opinions. However, there is one thing I have a question about. He mentioned that he focuses his sermons on what the people want to hear. And well, last week we heard that Anna and Jonathan focus a lot on the beginning (creation, God's love, etc.). I guess my question is, when does Wes talk about the core of Christianity. If he's constantly focusing on what the people want to hear like money and other stuff, then when do you tell them what they need to hear like God's love and forgiveness? I mean isn't that what changes lives? If it wasn't for God's love and His Word, we wouldn't know how to manage our money. I just wanted to know when he tells them the reason we are followers of Christ.

Jonathan and Anna Kuist

I found myself going home last Thursday night really thinking about what Jonathan and Anna talked about. I was so challenged by them. Their passion and love for the lost inspires me and compels me to search myself and find where my heart truly is. One thing that really stood out to me is the fact that they research the culture before they go there. I was just so impressed by this. They really read up on their stuff in order to reach the people. It shows how dedicated they are and how badly they want to connect with the people. Jonathan said something that really stuck on me..."It's not up to you to make God look good; you just need to do your part and offer it to them and He'll take care of the rest." After he said this, I felt like a load was lifted off of me. I guess a lot of times, I try to take things into my own hands when they are not rightfully mine. It's not up to me to save them. My part is sharing it with them, what they do with the rest is between God and them. I sow the seed and He will make things grow.

Church rater # 1

The Church What Church did you visit? Bethel Assembly of God What city or town is this Church located? Littlestown What date and service did you attend? February 8 2009 Sunday Night Service

Evaluating How would you rate this church? For me it would be a 5. Please provide ratings based on your own experience. Yes, I realize this is subjective and your '1′ might be someone else's '5′. That's ok. It's your rating and I really want your opinion. Rate the following from 1 to 5. 1 is not effective, 5 is very effective! Overall: ___4_______ Friendliness ______4_______ Singing ______3_____ Preaching ____9 Yeah Johannes!!!_____ First Impressions Outside: Was the building easy to find? yeah, of course I was in a van full of Master's Students. Daniel drove us and he knew where it was. I just sat as he drove us there. Was it difficult to find parking? no...well it depends...are you talking about close to the building parking or just parking because we had to park a little bit away from the building due to all the cars for the leadership event. How about the interior or exterior signage- what would you do differently? It was nice...really clean. The outside looked neat. It didn't look scary or initiminating unless you like small churches. What did the appearance, style, or construction of the building communicate to you? That it is a growing church. They are building an addition. But other than that, it looked like most Assembly of God churches. Before the service: Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service got underway? No, I didn't have anyone go out of their way to greet me or say anything. If someone did speak to you, how did you feel about that? Can you share their names? Did you know them before the visit? General observations: As you observed the people "doing their church thing", what went through your mind? Some were fake, others were really genuine. It was really neat to look around the room and see everyone from all different denominations worshipping together. Were you able to understand why they do what they do? I'm not sure how to answer this question. What do you mean? Do they seem sincere? Like before, you noticed some really got it. Some understood God's love and His forgiveness and they were just so neat to watch as they worshipped. There was this joy and glow that surrounded them. Others were just doing it for the sake of it. Like it was there Sunday routine..."I have to get in my good deed for the week" kinda thing. What do you think about the overall presentation of the service? (the liturgy, program or flow of the service) The flow I thought was good. Bulletin and communications: Is there anything in the church bulletin that you find confusing or offensive? Well, I never got a bulletin...I don't think they have them on Sunday Night Services. At least, my church back home didn't...only in the morning services. If this were your "business", how would you improve the communication part of it- the bulletin especially? Ummm...perhaps give me a bulletin. : ) Were announcements clear, and interesting (did you want to sign up for anything)? There was one announcement that I saw; it was on the screen from the projector. It had something to do with a Valentines Event. I wasn't interested because I'm not dating anyone right now. Children's Ministry Does this church appear kid-friendly? Most definitely...they have an amazing play house for the kids...like a McDonald's play house. I got to go down the slide. It was amazing! They also have a ball pit....only the coolest thing ever!!!!! I believe that because they are so family oriented that is why their church is growing so much!! Did you bring any children with you to the service? No If so, ask them about their experience. What did they tell you? Music and Prayer How would you describe the music? Not like Freedom Valley's. Slow and traditional. Did you enjoy any of it? Not really. Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of it? A little bit, but I had to really push in. It was hard to get into worship. How was it different from what you are used to? Well...I'm used to lively, freeing, excited about praising God kinda worship. Would you enjoy worshiping like that often? Uggghhh...NO! What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service? One of the guys from the Swedish team named Peter was the one who prayed during service, so I don't really know As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about how that church might think of people, or of God? Can't answer this one...Johannes and Peter were the only ones who offered prayers. The Speaker's Presentation

Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable?
Its Johannes...what's not to love? He is such an amazing man!

Is he/she a person you might enjoy having coffee with? Why?
Oh yes!

Did he/she seem engaged/sincere/condescending?
Yes, he was tearing up when he began to describe his past.

Were you motivated to do or think anything differently because of the talk?
Yes, he makes me want to be more caring, more loving, more passionate about the unsaved.

What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful?
Nothing

Please erase any of the following descriptors that did not apply to the talk: Enjoyable, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Credible, Useful, Life-changing,

The Message

What was the main idea of the message?
Forgiveness

What action did the speaker want you to take or consider taking?
Honestly...I don't remember. He kind of went from the power of forgiveness to healings

Did the talk itself (the subject matter) hold your attention?
yes

Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way?
Yeah

What is the one thing the speaker could do that would improve his/her presentation?
Well, I wish he had more meat in his sermon. I felt like he was holding back because of all the different denominations...which is ok because I know he wanted to be sensitive to everyone.

Do you think that you particularly will remember anything that was taught?
Yeah, forgiveness is very freeing. And the love of Christ is so overwhelming!!!!

Do you understand God or people better because of it?
Oh man, God's love is just so unfathomable? It is so good. The movie clip he showed was powerful.

Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself ?
YES!!!! Especially to the youth!!!

New Believer #1

New Believer #1

I'm finding out more and more that people really are interested in finding the truth. They really do want help in overcoming they're own struggles. In one certain situation, a female young adult knew she didn't want to live in her sin anymore. Being raised in a Catholic Church, she dealt with a lot of condemnation and criticism. Slowly she found herself conforming to the things around her and getting into the wrong crowd. She watched her mom go through a difficult divorce, find Freedom Valley, and get healing. Watching her mom go through this is what brought her to Freedom Valley and then to accept Christ into her life. She stated that her mom's healing process, prayer warriors, and seeing things change in her own life is what brought her to where she is now. Her biggest struggle is the fact that she works and goes to school in a secular environment. "It's hard to stay strong when everyone else is waiting for you to fall," she said. The biggest thing that has helped her to grow is gatherings like SOS, church, and getting connections with people like Wendy Kadish. Her advice for us to help others to grow in their faith is to understand where they are coming from. Don't be judgmental and be aware that people come from all backgrounds. Love on them no matter where they are.

Jan Workman

Guest Speaker: Jan Workman


Wow! This one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It blows my mind hearing that Jan uses kids to minister to kids. Yeah, it sounds like common sense, but I never took time to think about it. It's incredible to hear that she uses these kids in different teams such as drama, worship, puppets, face painting...etc. I think this concept is crucial and is a good lesson to learn. Once you give a person a job, a place for them to shine and feel a part of, they will want to come and will also invite others to come. Everyone wants to feel needed; be a part of something...even kids do. I believe we underestimate the power of kids. We forget they have an amazing potential to be leaders even at their age. On Sunday morning I actually tried it out with the Explorers class. I played a game, had an object lesson, and then learned how we could apply it to our lives. It was amazing!