'el-e-vate' - to move or raise to a higher place or position; lift up.

It seems like the trend has always been for youth ministries to find a "name" for themselves. It gives them an identity, a sense of belonging. Usually there is a lot of effort and time put into the naming process and towards what is going to sound cutting edge, cool and non-threatening.

Elevate Student Ministry is definitely a cool name. But this week the "so what" questions have been running in my mind when it comes to our name. We're called Elevate Student Ministry.... SO WHAT? What does that mean? What kind of action does this name demand? What makes this name more than just another cool title given to a group of students.

What are we doing to raise Christ up to the highest place in our lives. Are we living out the definition of 'el-e-vate' every day or is it just a cool title?

How does He find the highest place in our lives? We love what He loves, we seek after what He seeks after, we follow where He leads.

What does that look like in your school? Some of you this week told me of the steps you are taking to put God first... so here's what it looks like...

~ One of you gave a guy in your school a Bible so he could start finding answers to the doubts and questions he has about the God you are serving.

~ Three of you got together and invited an unnoticed classmate of yours to join you for lunch.

~ Several of you have said hello to someone at school that normally gets passed over by others.

This is exciting stuff! That tells me that we are living out our name and we are moving God to the highest position in our lives.

Every time you reach out to someone - you are elevating Christ
Everytime you put someone above yourself - you are elevating Christ
Everytime you pray for a friend that is hurting - you are elevating Christ
Everytime you step out of your comfort zone to live out your faith in front of others - you are elevating Christ.

Elevate Student Ministry - yeah - I think it's a pretty cool name. But I also think that it's a name that's going to take a lot for us to live up to. Are you up to the task - I am!