Vince Young, Lendale White and...JASON SANSBURY?

Well, I am pleased to announce that like Mr. Young and Mr. White, I will be re-locating to the lovely area of Nashville, TN. In fact, I will soon be moving my stuff but I have already started at my new job. And, no, it isn't playing defensive lineman for the mighty Tennessee Titans.

I am proud to say that after much prayer, preparation and thinking on the part of the church and myself, I am the new director of youth ministries for Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN. It is going to be a wonderful partnership and ministry that I think will last long into the future. While my signing bonus will be significantly less than Vince's and Lendale's, the fulfillment of knowing you are in the right place at the right time will be fantastic.

Here are some of the reasons that I chose Bethlehem over some other offers.
1. The work that they have done with Youth Ministry Architects has been outstanding in preparing them for the years to come.
2. The commitment that the search team had in trying to find an experienced person with a lifelong call to work with teenagers. That most definitely fits me and I am excited about being here for a long, long time.
3. The church itself is a very good church with an excellent sense of balance. It is working hard to do many things well and I am excited to be the leader that helps them bring youth ministry up to the level of excellence that some of the other ministries has.
4. The staff is very strong. Many have served here for many years and they are comfortable with each other and their gifts.
5. I never got the sense that the church, the search committee or anyone else was comparing itself to another church. They want to be faithful to who they are and how God is using them. That is unbelievably attractive given where I was.

So thanks to everyone who offered prayers and wishes. I am excited to be here, to delve into a new conference and see what God has in store for me and the folks who will be partnering with me in ministry!