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The Music And The Mission Move On

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 28, 2009

BROOSVILLE - As Black History Month concludes, a young African-American expressed some of his hopes and vision for the youth he directs at Spring Lake United Methodist.
Mike Butler coaches some of the church youth in performance of praise and worship music and is in the process of helping them in their music and youth band. He is also learning to guide them in their faith and to further develop the import of the church motto: "Seeking to be a community of love, a haven of hope, and a body of faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ."

As the new youth director, Butler comes by music and his faith through his lifelong experiences and training, giving utmost credit to his parents as his source of choice when it comes to beliefs, and to schooling, study, practice and lessons.

"There hasn't been anyone else but my parents who have influenced me as much," he said. "I sang and played music in church since my early childhood, so you could say I grew up in it all..."

His epiphany for being in ministry happened on a church youth mission trip to Tennessee last summer. "I wasn't sure it was something I wanted to do with my life at first, but after spending a week with kids I didn't know and then growing in faith with them I understood that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Our trip included repairing and improving a run-down home for an impoverished family."

He is still greatly influenced by the woman who was youth director at that time, Lauren Helfand. She now heads church young adults and family ministries for the younger members and some now-older teens she guided.

As the new youth director and church staff member, Butler is in ongoing dialogue with Helfand and the church pastor, Todd Stube, about the growing youth ministry, which ministers to some 50 local attendees weekly.

Lauren Helfand attested to Mike Butler's affinities for his ministry: "When I asked Mike to be a part of the trip to Tennessee, it was because I saw something in him you can't just acquire - you either have it or you don't. He could make influential relationships with teens. It is this influence he has that makes him a great youth leader. He presses in to the Lord on a daily basis and in turn shares that heart relationship with the youth in the way he teaches. It's all based on relationships."

For life lessons and inspiration besides the Bible, Butler credits Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life." "I'm a simple person and I feel this book gives guidance anyone could follow. It greatly touches my life and I've used many of the suggestions mentioned and applied that to my own circumstances."

When asked about his music education, he said, "Well, I am a special case. I've been singing in church since age seven. I began studying at Florida State University for the first year and a half majoring in music and psychology, but the vast majority of my religious education came from my parents and the churches I have attended since I was a child."

Newly married to wife Eileen for three months, the multi-talented youth director plays instruments including alto and tenor sax, piano and keyboards, drums, trombone, tuba, trumpet, French horn and clarinet. He appreciates the musicianship of his favorites such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Luther Van Dross, Toby Mac, Lacra and the David Crowder Band.

Following this interview, before the youth convened last Wednesday evening, Butler was coaching the pastor's talented and beautiful daughter, Kiana Stube. Butler began the lesson by having her sing arpeggios and then some lyrics on projected screens. Then she deftly played some ragtime piano and sang selected praise and worship in preparation for the Sunday service The Praise Springs. Kiana appreciates Mike Butler's heart for young people and his music prowess, according to her father

The youth director described weekly youth group meetings opening with socializing, followed by prayers, the biblical lesson, message and discussion, music, and devotionals or altar calls.

Creating a secure youth church Web site is in progress, as are plans for mission trips, service and charity projects, concerts and rally attendances. "Good communications and that close inclusiveness are vital," he said, remembering being in some large youth groups where he felt a lack of personal identity and closeness. "From the Bible, to the extent where Paul was," Butler said, "I can have little knowledge, but with formal education in psychology and music and with my faith in the Lord, I can follow down the dusty paths wherever He leads me and us ...

My favorite Bible quote: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:12

When do they meet?

Sunday traditional worship: 8:15 a.m.

Small groups and Sunday school: 11 a.m.

Sunday contemporary service: 8:15 a.m.

Wednesday Family Night: 6-8 p.m.

Youth group: 6 p.m. Wednesday

Spring Lake United Methodist Church is located at 4191 Spring Lake Highway (two miles south of S.R. 50), Brooksville. Phone: 799-7028.

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