Jason Mick

5 Encouragements for Next Gen Leaders: 1. Faithfulness matters more than flash. Don’t feel the pressure to compete with trends, production, or popularity. Teaching truth, loving students, and showing up consistently is powerful. 2. You’re planting seeds, but may not see immediate fruit. Most of what you do won’t show immediate results. But conversations, prayers, and small moments are shaping lives in ways you may not see for years. 3. Numbers don’t define your ministry. Attendance fluctuates. Engagement comes and goes. But success in ministry is measured by obedience, not crowd size. 4. Your presence is your greatest platform. Students remember who showed up at games, in hard moments, and in everyday life. 5. You need Jesus too. Don’t let your personal walk with Jesus become secondary to leading others. You can’t pour into others when you’re running on empty.

When I was a Youth Pastor, in my mid-20's, a very wise and experienced pastor told me: "You focus on the depth and integrity of your ministry, and let the Lord take care of the width and platform of it." I wrote that advice in my Bible, and have never forgotten it.

Praising God for those who have been rescued in the Kerrville floods. Praying for the safe rescue of those still missing. Lord, be the Comforter to families grieving the loss of loved ones and resources. Strengthen first responders and volunteers. May people find their refuge in You. Even in the storm — You are Peace.

You can worship Jesus, and love your country, too. There has been a push in recent years that has become almost trendy - if you love Jesus or truly care about people, then must hate your country, roll your eyes at anyone with an American flag, and question those who enjoy singing the National Anthem. In fact, there is even pressure from some that if you say you love Jesus and your country, then you’re branded as a Christian Nationalist or you’re making an idol out of patriotism. However, it doesn’t have be that way, because here are things that are still true: 1. We are called to love and worship Jesus above all. Anytime, culture contradicts our faith, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5). 2. Loving Jesus doesn’t mean you have to hate your country. In fact, we’re told to pray for our leaders, obey the law, and honor those who are worth honoring (Rom 13). 3. America isn’t perfect. There are many things from the past that are nothing short of evil, and let’s be honest - things that still need to change. But, you don’t have to hate where you live, or be suspicious of those who want to see this country flourish. 4. We have freedom. As of 2025, Americans are some of the freest people in world. We choose where to live, where to worship, and who to vote for. We even have the freedom to disagree. Why? Because of men and women who served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice. They paid for your freedom with their life. So, love Jesus, give honor where honor is due, be grateful for your freedom, remember those who sacrificed all, and pray that God would bless America. Happy Birthday, America! #independenceday #fourthofjuly