High School - Jesse Oakes

Over 107 years ago a high school-aged girl had a vision to make an impact in her city and the world. The result of her God-sized vision is Lake Avenue Church, which continues to lead people to Christ, equip them for ministry, and send them all over the world.

Kingdom-Ball

By Jesse Oakes Sep. 21, 2011 Read 288 times

The title of this blog borrows its name from Moneyball, which comes out this weekend. It has a ton of starpower and anticipation, but even if it makes a trillion dollars, it will be only the second-most important sports-related event this month.

Hello parents! This is more of an announcement than proper blog post. I wanted to share our excitement about a new tradition starting here in Student Ministries: Parent & Pastor Conferences. 

Forest Home is full

By Jesse Oakes Jul. 16, 2011 Read 458 times
I did not grow up going to camp. And part of me wishes I did, because I would have experienced Jesus in my life much sooner than 20.

YOU don't hinder THEM

By Jesse Oakes May. 21, 2011 Read 506 times

Even after 9 years in Christian leadership, 7 years on LAC staff, dozens of trips & camps, and 1 seminary degree, Jesus can still jolt me. Even with things he's shown me before.

Take the Leap: Growth Through Risk

By Jesse Oakes Jan. 05, 2011 Read 515 times
I recently contributed an article about growth through risk to Fuller Youth Institute's e-journal.

"Welcome aboard."

I was all of 11 years old, and it was my first day with a new soccer team.

Don't Know Much About... Religion?

By Jesse Oakes Sep. 28, 2010 Read 595 times
A recent CNN Religion Blog post on a new study by the Pew Forum amazed/shocked/saddened/amused me.

But I can't be a leader if...

By Jesse Oakes Sep. 15, 2010 Read 530 times
... I am feeling this way. Can I?
So there's this Q&A site called "formspring.me"...

What Exactly is a "Melon-Scratcher"?

By Jesse Oakes Jul. 26, 2010 Read 483 times
I keep having these weird experiences. "Melon-scratchers," my favorite checker at the supermarket would call them.

A Glimpse of Katrina Project 2010

By Jesse Oakes Jul. 18, 2010 Read 576 times

Nine pictures from our trip from Jul 6-12 in New Orleans.

"I'm Spiritual But Not Religious"

By Jesse Oakes Jun. 05, 2010 Read 638 times
Ever have someone say that?  If not, you probably will.  Soon.

Resilience: A Closer Look

By Jesse Oakes Jun. 02, 2010 Read 471 times
A brief article on adolescent resilience (the ability to bounce back from trauma to a place of health).

Reilly: For Love of the Game

By Jesse Oakes May. 27, 2010 Read 449 times
This is a really cool story.

Too Good to be True

By Jesse Oakes May. 12, 2010 Read 471 times
Wanna go back to high school?

The best we can ever offer is...

By Jesse Oakes May. 10, 2010 Read 405 times
Remember Heroes Season 1?  Lots of wisdom in there.

They Don't Need Me... Right?

By Jesse Oakes May. 05, 2010 Read 412 times
Lake's a huge church, they've got it covered, they don't need lil' ol' me...

I Wish I Could...

By Jesse Oakes May. 01, 2010 Read 417 times
Is there something you wish you could do better?

HelloGoodbye

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 26, 2010 Read 421 times
Well, I was a pastor.  I did it for about ten years.  But I'm not a believer anymore...

Food Glorious Food

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 21, 2010 Read 389 times
When I got to eat, it made me feel so good...

Levine: The Price of Privilege

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 19, 2010 Read 345 times
Remember high school?  Junior high?  And how you'd give anything to go back to where the only things you had to worry about were book reports and the right date to the prom?

Things have changed.

Wanna Hear Something Crazy?

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 14, 2010 Read 423 times
So I was reading in Matthew 28 , right...

How to Get to Jesus Land

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 12, 2010 Read 370 times
So I get this text last night:

Numerous studies have indicated that students who feel deeply connected to others, especially significant adults, are much less likely to...

"Dohne blog aboud dissshhhh."

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 07, 2010 Read 560 times
So my wife sometimes grinds her teeth when she sleeps...

Wisdom of the Magnets

By Jesse Oakes Apr. 05, 2010 Read 450 times

Refrigerator magnet: It will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. Intrigued?  Read on...

ground rules

By Jesse Oakes Mar. 29, 2010 Read 618 times
what this blog will look like...