The Future Leaders Program is nearing the end for the Class of 2009. As we finish out our year we will be doing a series of blog posts looking back at our experiences throughout the program. Today we’re talking with Chris Suarez.

What was the best experience you had during the year?
Well I’ve had many great experiences this year. One of the best experiences though was when I went on a missions trip with some of our high school students to Jackson, Kentucky. The county that Jackson is in is one of the poorest counties is America. We were able to partner with “The Happy Church” and minister to the community and to their own youth group. At first their teenagers were a little distant but by the last day we had developed some strong friendships with the teenagers there. On the last night we had our final get-together and had a karaoke party. It was a blast and we’re looking forward to being able to go back to The Happy Church and continue partnering in ministry with them.

What are some things you’ve learned?
One of the things I learned is that it’s easy for your ministry to become just another job. It’s easy to get caught up in the tasks and things that need to be done that you forget the motive behind why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s so important to pray together with your ministry team often, if not daily, to keep the focus on Christ. Being involved in youth ministry and trying to keep up to date, we talk about different methods all the time. How should we do this or how should we do that is often the main agenda of our meetings. However, I have learned that it is not a particular method or program that God anoints. It is the men and women behind the program. Therefore it’s not necessarily a particular method that makes an event successful but the character of the men and women behind it.

What are some things you’re looking forward to doing after the Future Leaders Program?
Well I’m staying on staff with the Rock so I’m looking forward to continuing to develop relationships with our students and getting involved in their lives. I’m also looking forward to going on two missions trips and two summer camps with the Rock this summer! Lastly I’m looking forward to one day walking down the hallway and somebody stopping me saying “Hey, you’re Chris, the Future Leader.” Then I’ll say, “ACTUALLY, sir…ma’am…whatever you are…I’m a current leader…a leader who is leading currently…A leader who came from the future and is currently leading…got that?” (Note: The last part is just a joke and in no way reflects my true nature, character, or hair color.)

How did you grow this year?
I think one of the areas I’ve grown in is my perspective and appreciation for world missions. Going to Dominican Republic and Africa this year really opened my eyes and help grow my passion for the Global Church. It’s been such privilege to have been able to serve beside our brothers and sisters in Christ from another country and culture.