18 Feb Meet the Team: Josh Dorrity
This post is part of a series called “Meet the Team” introducing you to our Generation LINK staff. We hope it will help you get to know Generation LINK staff members serving around the country a little better.
Where did you graduate from and what did you study?
I graduated from Clemson University in August, 2012 with a BA degree in Sociology and a Communication Studies minor.
What led you to do Generation LINK?
I’ve been involved in Crosspoint Church in Clemson since the 2nd week of my freshman year at Clemson. I’ve grown to love the local church and served in various areas such as Children’s ministry, Student ministry, and College ministry throughout my time in undergrad. Coming into college, I knew I wanted to do something in ministry for my career such as getting a job with a ministry that puts on conferences and camps for middle and high school students, but as I began to serve in the student ministry at Crosspoint, I began to realize that I didn’t want to only get to pour into students for a week or less, only to say goodbye to them and possibly never see them again; I wanted to invest in students for the long term. This desire led me to realize that God was calling me to youth ministry within the church.
I knew about Generation LINK because of all the time I spent at Crosspoint. It was birthed at Crosspoint and I got to witness some of the early stages of the program. I knew it would be a great way for me to serve on a church staff, continue to invest in students, experience Biblical community, and begin my theological training in seminary.
Which location and what areas of ministry do you serve with through Generation LINK?
I serve at Crosspoint Church in Clemson, SC. I primarily serve in student ministry, especially with the middle school-aged students. I also have a hand in college ministry as I co-lead a small group of college students.
What are you most excited about in your area of ministry?
Being able to invest in students. Not only do I see them 1-2 times a week when we meet, but G-Link allows me time to pursue them outside of our youth meetings. Going to watch their football games, going to eat with them after a Sunday night meeting, inviting them over to watch a movie, playing them in racquetball, etc. These times have opened up opportunities to connect with them and be able to discuss spiritual things on a more personal level, and it’s been awesome! I’ve actually known the current 8th graders since they were in 4th grade and have seen them grow spiritually, and it’s definitely going to be difficult to leave them when God calls me somewhere else.
What 2-3 books have been most formative in your walk with Christ?
Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman
Sticky Faith by Powell and Clark
Romans by God/Paul.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
I love playing Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, and Racquetball even though I don’t get to play either as much as I did in undergrad unfortunately. I love just hanging out with friends during free time if possible; if I’m by myself, I like to watch tv shows (that have at least 3 seasons) on Netflix, Hulu, etc.
What is your typical coffee shop order?
I actually don’t like coffee…which can be unfortunate at times. If I do go to Starbucks with others (and actually get anything), I usually get the Strawberries & Creme frappuccino.
By: Josh Dorrity