Austin Bailey's Ministry Blog

Intro: Who is the good Shepherd?      When you think about a shepherd, what immediate thoughts come to mind? Maybe my idea thoughts are identical to yours. I think of a middle eastern man dressed in a robe with a staff, and the sheep follow him. I did some research and learned that the success of a shepherd or shepherdess is in the compassion they have for each individual. This means being able to identify a sick or injured sheep or lamb within a flock of HUNDREDS or THOUSANDS of sheep. That is mind-blowing! We see in the Bible God is described as a good shepherd; why is that? In your own time, go read John 10:1-18, Psalms 23, Luke 15:4-7,  Micah 2:12, and Isaiah 40:10-11.       What's more extraordinary about Jesus' parable in John 10 is he calls himself the good shepherd, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down for his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). The most important feature of Jesus' role is that he lays down his life for ...

Our ministry came up with a plan to have in-person TNF small group. The students were very grateful to meet in person for the first time. Hey friends! Hope all of you are enjoying this summer season and staying cool. Somehow, summer in July is always hotter in Texas than June. I saw this meme that describes Texas summer and thought it was super funny! As the summer comes to a close, reflect on how God has blessed you this season. I think it's so easy for us to focus on the negative things around us and not look at the good things God has blessed us with that we should be grateful for. I'm thankful every time I get to spend time with my Lord, who teaches me, befriends me, and loves me every day, and that's so restful to me. One thing he's teaching me this year is one word, "patience." Why Patience? I can be very impatient when I make mistakes or want to see improvement in myself and it's taking a long time or being anxious to know what my plans and future...

Hey everyone!! Hope you all are having a wonderful summer and staying safe. I remember back when I was in elementary school, I looked forward to the summer. Jumping into my swimming pool, spending the night at a friend's house, and going to San Antonio having a blast with the family. Those moments I still cherish today. Looking into this summer with a pandemic is very different, but some things are starting to go back to normal. Community pools are opening back up, people meeting outdoors to socialize and connect again, and coffee shops opened back up to dine in (thank you, Lord!). How are you spending your summer this year?  How does this summer look different from years past?  Our ministry in the summer is different by continuing to do live streaming services and zoom breakout rooms. It can get pretty draining using technology every week and wishing for communal worship again. The summer is very important for our students to stay connected with God. With a pandemic o...

It's Over?!?! Okay, hold up a second! Has it been ten months already? Did time just fly by?! It's so crazy to me. It feels like just yesterday as I was going through the orientation in August. Wow... This apprenticeship program has helped me grow to be a better disciple, pastor, and friend. Throughout the past ten months, my brain was stretch with new information about God and ministry, and there was only so much I could only consume. Here's a gif that describes my apprenticeship year as a whole: There are so many things I and take away from the apprenticeship that I can't list them all. The top two I can say were. First, the classes I took. When I was applying for the apprenticeship, I doubted if I could go through it and learn anything because of my learning disabilities. I was afraid of not meeting up to the staff's expectations and feeling left behind. I talked to Brandon Worsham over the phone about it, and he gave me enough encouragement to not feel...

Hey, everyone! I hope all of you at home working are healthy and safe. I have been praying for you through this strange time. I mention in my last blog, " He Calms the Storm " the coronavirus is a scary and uncomfortable time where we have to be six feet away from people and work at home. Even though we have been blessed to receive great weather, the coronavirus is metaphorically a storm in our current time. But remember the good news! God is still working! There's a worship song by Leeland called "Way Maker", and the bridge on the song spoke the truth and encourage me that our God never stops working. How do you see God working where you are? "Even when I don't see it, you're workin' Even when I don't feel it, you're workin' You never stop, you never stop workin' You never stop, you never stop workin'" I see God currently working in our college students and the ministry as a whole. The gift of technology ...