|
Chris Darling
Youth Director
chris.uumc@yahoo.com
Chris Darling is a 2007 graduate of Hope College in Holland, Mich. He has a
degree in religion/youth ministry with an emphasis in communications. He works
at the MSU Child Development Laboratories full-time and is our part-time Youth
Director.
Q: What made you choose this job?
A: First of all, I am a young at heart, as you have to be to do this job. I
love spending time with youth and their parents and serving the body of Christ.
Before college I had no idea what I wanted to do. At the time I was touring
in a Christian band. We went on many church tours and tours of Christian clubs,
so I was able to get to know a lot of youth ministers. I was also around kids
quite a lot and it inspired me to go to school to be a youth minister.
Q: What did you play in the band? Do you still play?
A: I played a trumpet and congas. Our sound was a lot like the Supertones or
Five Iron Frenzy. Now I play the drums and occasionally jump in to lead or play
in a worship band. I have been a part of the MSU Wesley Foundation praise team
in the past.
Q: What's been your overall impression of UUMC?
A: UUMC is such a central location that I have found it to be a great place
to serve the needs of the congregation. I enjoy working with the other staff
and it has become a very important place to me over the years.
Q: What are your goals for the program and for your position in general.
A: The goals for the program have been to revamp the youth room and to form
a Youth Ministry Advisory Committee (YMAC). I want youth to be able to come to a
fun, modern, safe place where they can have fellowship with one another and also
have input about programming. As far as my career, I would like to think that
youth ministry could always be a passion of mine whether it is on a staff or
volunteering.
Q: What about goals for your career?
A: My college degree has a large focus in youth ministry, but the hard truth
of my decision to study youth ministry is that unfortunately, I cannot live on
that alone. I also work full-time at MSU for the Child Development Laboratories
and I do work with kids there as well. I hope to always be involved with
children, youth and the church.
Q: What inspires you?
A: I am inspired by Jesus as the ultimate example of how to live my life.
Living up to that example is infinitely difficult, as we all know. For me, I
can sum it up by telling you that during college and a rough time in my life, I
looked closely at the teachings of the bible and formed my personal motto or
mantra if you will. I also designed a logo and developed "Out of Love Youth
Ministries." The whole idea behind this ministry is that after all the theology
and all the distractions of the world, we do things out of love for God and for
each other. I've realized the value of that idea through my friends, my family
and through my Church family. Those are the three things make up my foundation
and have really shaped who I am; and trying to live up to them and the example
of Jesus is what inspires me most.
Q: What concerns you?
A: My inspiration is my concern. Trying to live up to God’s word is
infinitely difficult. I am concerned that not everyone knows how much God loves
them, especially youth today. So it is my job to try and get the message of
loving God, others, and ourselves out there for our youth to hear and
experience.
Q: What is your favorite Bible verse or parable?
A: Corinthians 13:4-8.
Q: What's your favorite book.?
A: "In the Name of Jesus" by Henry Nouwen.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: "High Fidelity" with John Cusack.
Q: Favorite song or singer?
A: Third Eye Blind is my favorite band.
|
