Why?
“Why?” Could it be that the question we hate to hear 2 and 3 year old children ask (why?), and the question that many churches also hate to be asked (why?), is really the question that desperately needs to be asked? http://jimwideman.com/blog/?p=66
Don’t Forget What Really Matters
I figured it out! Figured what out you might ask. I figured out what’s bugging me. I just figured out part of why I have been feeling discouraged and ineffective.
More than likely it won’t be a big deal to you, but keep reading anyway. I was reading a book by Aaron Reynolds www.creative-arts-ministry.com entitled the Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School and I didn’t get any further than page 31 before I discovered my problem.
I am in a ministry position where I seem to have to give the bulk of my time to things like “childcare” (I hate that word by the way), all sorts of administrative stuff, planning/organizing events, and of course ‘putting out fires,’ – which by the way are all good things and significant elements of my ministry occupation. But I am afraid these things have been allowed to zap my energy and time to devote the amount of time and energy I need to to the ministry of teaching and preaching God’s Word!
Teaching and preaching God’s Word is where my real passion is. It’s the call that got me involved in ministry in the first place. This call is why I went to seminary in the first place, etc. In Children’s Ministry it is so easy to get wrapped up in all of the lesser things and forget the most important part – teaching/preaching the Bible – God’s Message to kids in a way that captivates, motivates and rejuvenates kids in their walk with God and helps them become all that He’s called them to be for Him.
It took me a while to get what’s been happening with me, but I think I have it now. What about you? Are you focused on what really matters or are you lost in the less important things?
Kindness
When is the last time you did something nice for someone just because? I was on my way into the office this morning and before going in I stopped at Starbucks. I knew what I wanted before I got out of the car – a multigrain bagel, toasted with butter and a tall hot chocolate. I walked in an stood in the line that was almost out the door determined to get what I desired. As I approached the front of the line and placed my order, I took money out of my pocket to pay for my order and to my surprise, the woman at the register said “Chuck has it.” As a result the total cost from my pocket of resources was 0.00 – Someone from my church had snuck into the line to give the woman at the register his starbucks card, and told her to cover the cost of my order with his card.
I was surprised by it and what a smile it placed on my face – turning my day into a much brighter day. Was it about the free hot chocolate and bagel? Of course not. What caused the smile was the thought behind the act of kindness.
I wonder what would happen if we paused from our busy schedules long enough to do something nice for someone else. You just never know how much it will make someone’s day go so much better. I was not the same when I finally arrived at my desk. I went into my work day with a brighter outlook…
Happy 1st Anniversary (!)
Well, today (July 10th) is (or was) the day – my official 1st year anniversary of ministry at the church where I currently serve. I am not sure how I feel about things though??? One would think I would feel a sense of joy and enthusiasm or at least throw some sort of party. On the contrary, I don’t feel celebratory, rather my mind and spirit are filled with questions, concerns, and an intense need for clear direction from God regarding ministry and His plans for me.
I find myself in a place of uncertainty. A place of longing for more of what God has for me and to fulfill His purpose for my life. Is it meant to happen in the ministry where I have served over the last year? Or is it impossible for it to happen in this environment? I think I know the answers to those questions and I dare not share them here. But based on the answers I have, what does God want me to do?
I am weary – oh so weary! I sleep, but I am still weary. I work, but spin wheels and as a result find myself completely exhausted. Something has to change – and my desire is that it would change soon. In the meantime, the words of Isaiah 40:28-31 give me hope.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Just Do It
We all want to do “it” – whatever the it may be. I long to be productive in ministry, to produce that which will last and significantly bless other – that’s my “it”. What stops me? What stops others? Could it be that we wait, and wait, and wait. And then wonder and wonder and wonder? We know we should do “it” and that God is inspiring “it” but too often the “it” gets pushed aside because of the “but this, and but that.”I wonder what God would do if we decided to just do the “it” God is calling us to and watch to see what God does with “it.” One thing I know about God is that His desire is to see us be productive and sometimes that means pushing past the stuff that holds us back and trusting Him to help us do what He’s calling us to.
“You did not choose me, I chose you and ordained you to bear much fruit, fruit that will last.” (John 15:6)
Jump In!!
“You can do it, just jump in.” These words penetrated my heart as I watched the DVD of “Jump In” – the story of some teenagers who decided to follow their dreams, to do what was in their hearts despite ridicule and unconventionality. As the movie began I wasn’t real sure it would be a movie I would watch to the end, but as I watched, I was moved to tears as God impressed upon my heart His call for me to do the very same thing as it relates to the next phase of my ministry – “jump in.” And not only jump in, but be in it to win it and with Jesus, victory is certain!
As the movie continued and Izzy disappointed the team by deciding not to show up for the competition because of his inability to choose between following the dreams of his dad and the dreams of his own heart, I was moved once again as a team member cut him from the team because of his failure to embrace what was important and make good on his commitment.
And the question I have to ask myself and I believe the question all Children’s Pastors have to ask – especially on tough days is are we in it to win it? Or are we going to allow the pressures, humiliation, obstacles, and misunderstandings of others cause us to quit? Ministry is about call, but it is also about choice and commitment.
The words of Hebrews 12:1 should encourage us to continue and never quit.
“We have around us many people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
