What's At Risk

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.

Comments

[Jose Noy]

Very well said.

J

[Luke]

Well said!

It is so good to see when church staff take their sexual purity and integrity seriously.

Are you planning on promoting something like Covenant Eyes among the youth? The 12-17 age group is the biggest consumer of Internet pornography. I've been trying to research how different churches teaching and modeling accountability among youth.

Thanks for choosing Covenant Eyes. If you'd like a packet of free brochures to give to others into your church, please let me know.

Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager
Covenant Eyes

[Mama]

I am very proud of the Godly integrity of my son. You are very much your Father's son. I love you.

[Michael K]

Hey Phillip, its great to see you taking the initiative for your team. Us "kids" miss you and anita and the girls. Im praying for you all. oh and we need to go to a soccer match soon. take care mccart!

[Loran]

Phillip
Great call. We're doing the same for everyone on our staff. This is too big of an issue to just leave hangning out there without addressing head on. If anyone on your team has a problem with something like this...you need to have a good strong discussion with them. Great job Phillip. You're a great pastor to some lucky students.
Lichty

[Luke Gilkerson]

Hello again Phillip,

Covenant Eyes actually just finished a short video all about porn temptations online and how accountability can help. You might like it. Please, splash it up in a blog post some time and help us spread the word about it!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8453b946b88adca7fac7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ICTrHtUkx8