Middle School Pastor Dan Hiben

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

We’ve all been forced to run to Jesus in new ways over the past year. To trust him in areas we perhaps haven’t been challenged, to let go of things that once seemed normal, to embrace new realities, to learn to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Middle schoolers are no exception. I am encouraged in the way our middle schoolers have shown resiliency over this past year in light of these challenges. They have rolled with the changes in schooling, youth group and church. It has been wonderful meeting together on Tuesday evenings to play games, worship, pray and learn from God’s Word. Students have been hungry for relationships with each other and with God, for which I am thankful.

We’ve had several key additions to our ministry in the past year. Over the course of the summer, sixth graders were welcomed into KMs for the first time. It’s been great having another class with us, and it’s been encouraging to see our sixth graders enjoy KMs and grow through the ministry. Several of our adult leaders have also been leading Project Discipleship groups on Sunday evenings, doing intensive Bible study with small groups of students. I’ve been encouraged to hear from leaders and parents alike, how the students who are participating are growing in their knowledge and love for the Word.

I also must include a thank you to the many people who make middle school ministry happen here at College Church. To those of you who volunteer, thank you. The hours, prayers and energy you have put in to discipling our middle school students are so very important. The love you show the students and your passion for the Lord are deeply encouraging to me. Thank you also to our facilities team – you have been so very flexible and continue to make it possible for the middle school ministry to meet safely at church. And to all of you who are middle school parents, thank you for the support you have shown. Thank you for making it a priority for your sons and daughters to come to KMs on Tuesdays, and for everything you do at home to raise your students to know and love the Lord.

And finally, thank you to all of you, my College Church family. I am so thankful for you all, for your prayers on my behalf and for the opportunity to serve as the middle school pastor here. No matter what this coming year holds, let’s continue to run to Jesus, even when—especially when—the going gets tough. He is our hope, our peace, our rock.