I work with the most dangerous demographic of people on the planet. No other group of people has more potential to shape, damage, improve, impact or create the future than teenagers. In light of the tremendous responsibility to lead and guide these individuals toward God I make decisions that may not make sense at first. When I speak I'm very transparent. It does a tenth grade boy no good for me to pretend that I don't deal with the temptations and pitfalls he faces. He needs to know that just like him, I'm fighting for purity, self control, integrity and an intimate relationship with God.
My staff is young. Including me there are six of us on staff with Northwood Student Ministry. At thirty I'm the oldest. Last week I made a decision to take precautions based on statistics. During my brief time at Elevation Church one of the things that challenged me as a leader was their decision to protect their male staff. It's believed that one out of every seven Pastors in the United States is addicted to pornography. At Elevation every computer has Covenant Eyes loaded before it is given to male staff members.
Last week I created a Covenant Eyes account for each member of my team including myself. I'm sure there are several companies out there but I'm very impressed with Covenant Eyes. This is not a filter program but simply an accountability system that sends your online activity to your selected accountability partners. I didn't ask my team's permission. I'm not interested in their thoughts on this subject. I care too much about them, their future or current spouses, and as much as I can effect it their walk with Christ.
There are things in life that we can pay the price financially, relationally or emotionally to deal with before a problem starts or escalates that if we fail to deal with will guarantee a much larger price tag in the end. Take the time to speak with your spouse, student, friend, coworker today about your sexual integrity. Our impact on the next generation is at stake.
