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Wednesday, August 17, 2005
This time of year is kind of an "in-between" time for youth ministry. The summer ministry is over, and we're not quite at "full-tilt" until after Labor Day. Sure, we have some small group stuff going, but other than that, it's pretty much doing a lot of planning and preparation for the upcoming year.
While you can plan some things without doing it, most of the time you have to evaluate what you did last year. Did it "work?" Could we do it better? Is there something else more effective? Those kinds of questions are vital to keeping ministry fresh and active.
Another reality is that it's a good time to focus the ministry...you know, spend a few lessons reminding everybody why we do what we do. In fact that's what we're doing for all of Sunday School (which we've evaluated and will try to make better) for the entire month.
And for me, once I get reflective it's hard to stop. Occupational hazard, I guess.
One part of the Bible that I wind up when I get to these times is from 2 Corinthians 5: 11--14 (from The Message):
"That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It's no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That's why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how we'll do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care. We're not saying this to make ourselves look good to you. We just thought it would make you feel good, proud even, that we're on your side and not just nice to your face as so many people are. If I acted crazy, I did it for God. If I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do."
If you look closely, you'll see a lot of correct motivations to do ministry.
For example, we know that everyone will face judgment, and one motivation is to get people ready for that reality.
Another is because we deeply care about people.
Another is because we are genuine...not fake or false.
And ultimately, it's because we are compelled by the greatest motivation: Love.
So, for today, I'd like for you to kind of take stock on a couple of things...such as what are some ways you can be doing ministry each and every day? It's one thing for those of us who are in the ministry full-time, because our JOBS are to minister. But what are some false motivations for ministry? How does this passage help you change motivations?
Brent 3:01 AM
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