I am working on a new series for the fall entitled Next Steps. In everything that we do there is always that next step.

In Matthew 4:18-22, we see Andrew and Peter, James and John encounter Jesus for the very first time.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Peter and Andrew had to have that one moment; that one pause where they considered what their next step would be. For them the next step was to leave what they were doing and follow Jesus.

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Summer is a special time in youth ministry. Wall to wall activities. Deep connections and fellowship. Late nights and hard questions. Many students make big faith decisions during the summer months but we often fail these students by not helping them connect their first steps of faith with their next steps. I want my teens to practically work out their faith in the valley day to day living. I want them to take Next Steps in their faith. I want to take Next Steps in my faith.