Hi,
I'm writing this to our Youth Group.  If you're reading this and are over the age of 19, feel free to continue, but I'm writing today's entry to our teens.

While I'm deeply saddened to see Nathan moving on, I'm equally excited about the possibilities for the future of the EBC Student Ministry, and I'm very excited for the possibilities of Nathan's future.

Nathan and I are very good friends and I pray that each of us share our excitement and encouragement with him as he transitions into an area of ministry about which he feels passionate and in an area and church where he can serve the Lord according to His will.

I also wanted to share something with our Youth Group.  As the chairperson of the EBC Personnel Committee, I want to take this opportunity to let you all know how committed I am personally, and how committed Pastor Derek and the entire EBC Personnel Committee is to finding the right person to fill our Student Ministry position.

We are praying for the Lord to send the right person to us.  I'm sure He already has someone in mind and that person is going to be a wonderful addition to your group and your family.  We're praying for someone who is fun and who will pick up from Nathan the awesome responsibility of leading our young people to Jesus Christ and developing the future church leaders to Christ-like Maturity.

Let NOBODY fool you.  You all are the future of the church and the future of the Gospel.  Us old guys are not going to be around forever and out time in leadership positions will soon pass.  It's you who are the next generation of great leaders.  It is your generation who will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to areas where my generation has failed.  Through Christ, it is your generation who will fix most of the mess my generation has made of the world.

Make no mistake about it.  The future starts today.  My generation will leave an awesome responsibility and tremendous opportunity for you.  We've made so many mistakes there is plenty for you to fix.  Everything from the environment, to hunger, to those in our very own communities who do not know Jesus will be left behind as opportunities for you.  Yes, we are leaving plenty for your generation to clean up.  After getting to know a few of the young people in our group, let me say proudly that the future is in good hands.  You all are heading down the right track.

With that said, I give you my word as a man, father, and most of all a Christian that we will seek the Lord's wisdom and leadership in our search for a new Student Minister.  You're a strong and wonderful group of young people and I love and respect each and every one of you.  By our faith in the Lord, our entire team is going to do the right thing for our Student Ministry!

Guys, if you really are reading this, "we got your back" on this one.

Jeff Sluder