Reflection

This semester I was involved with an afterschool ministry based out of JCBodyshop called Afternoons Rock in Indiana. It is a federally funded program to encourage kids to make positive choices in regards to things such as peer pressure, drugs, and alcohol. However, by it being done in a ministry setting we are also able to share about Christ freely. Honestly, at the beginning of the semester I choose this practicum because it was close to campus and I was able to do it through the week which left my weekends open for other practicums. It probably would not have been my first choice, but looking back on it now I would not have traded it for anything. I was considered a sponsor of the program and I basically got to help facilitate everything that went on from leading games, to helping prepare food, to leading a small group. I was blessed by the youth in this ministry so much as they opened my eyes to a love for middle school kids. I have worked with children of all ages and I have worked with high school students but I had never had direct ministry with middle school kids. I absolutely loved it and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Upon doing the afterschool ministry, I had more like two supervisors. My supervisors included Pastor Mike Hofer and Brittan Bush. Mike was around a lot towards the beginning of the program but as it continued he allowed Brittan to fully take the reins. As far as supervised hours with Pastor Mike I did not have much more than about 6 hours. During this time we would either be talking about the ministry or working alongside in the ministry. Brittan however was the consistent form of a supervisor. We talked as well but mainly worked side by side throughout the entire practicum. There are a few things that I have learned throughout my time observing and conversing with these men, 1) that you need to set up rules up front and be prepared to stick by them or the kids will walk all over you (we had a little bit of a rough start but all was well in the end) and 2) organization is a major key in any ministry.
I think I have grown throughout this ministry in many ways. My perceptions of ministry to youth have been changed a little and I would almost consider pursuing such a career if it weren’t that I loved working with children so much. This practicum has also challenged me because there would be times that the kids would tell me about their home lives and it would just blow me away with the kind of situations that they were coming from. Professionally I think I have grown in my interpersonal relationships with people. I can come off pretty shy at times but God is working on me to come out my shell and I think I definitely did that a little this semester. God is still molding me into who he wants me to be and the plan he has. It is just so awesome to see some of that progress along the way.

Week 10

This was our last week for ASP other than the graduation on Monday. I have truly enjoyed this practicum and have felt that I have become an integral part of the program. Many times if you will only be there for a short time church's do not let you become as big of a part of their programs. I have really loved being a part of this ministry. I believe in what they are doing here. I know at times it can be rough and stressful for some but each day that I get the opportunity to spend with these kids my heart grows even fonder of them.
I have grown throughout this practicum experience in relating with middle school age kids. In all of my previous experience it has been either younger elementary kids or high school age. This was a great challenge for me but I would not trade the time or relationships that I have built for anything. I hope to be able to continue some of these relationships even after I graduate and move on to my own career in the ministry. These kids have definitely had an effect on me, and I pray that I have shown them the love of Christ in such a way that it affects their lives as well.