The days at that makeshift desk were incredible. I would plan for upcoming youth events and answer the big life questions teenagers ask like, "Where is God when it life hurts?" and "Is it a sin to get a tattoo?" But then something changed- either in the ministry or in me. I ran into the business side of church. Living your life on principle is not easy, especially when faced with choices that can bring success and notoriety. In the business world, success is defined by the bottom line- are we making money and are we growing?

In church, success is determined by... are we making money and are we growing? There, I said it. The thing that my daddy despised about going to church, "All they want is my money," I found to often be the case. I would also add wanting his consistent attendence, as well, for the counters.

I know that it is not fair to lump all churches into that pot. However, the average churchgoer would be shocked at the conversations that come up in leadership meetings. Statements of the need to attract more young professionals so the church budget can increase are all too common. The number #1 question asked at pastors' conferences is, "How many people you got?" So, after 15 years of struggling through that and church politics, I prayed for a change. I asked God to show me another way to help people; to impact the world.

The answer came when I met an African pastor who came to the states to collect school suppiles for war torn Liberia. He traded books for rifles in the hands of kids. So, long story short. I hung up my "collar" and now I teach English and blow a whistle... I feel I am making an impact and I couldn't be happier.