I can do it!
"I can do it!"
That statement has to potential to be the downfall of so many people. Maybe you are feeling the weight of saying that statement too often that you are now so overloaded with stuff, you don't know if you'll survive. Unfortunately, this is often the sentiment amongst ministry leaders. I can do it and I have to do it because that's what people expect the "professionals" to do. However, I believe that we have an improper view of ministry leaders. Ministry leaders aren't called to "do" everything there is to do in ministry, but rather they are called to "equip the saints (members, other Christians, etc.) for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:12).
Okay, sure, that applies to some of the older, more spiritually mature believers right? No, God calls ministry leaders to "equip the saints...". There are no other qualifications given. So what in the world does this have to do with teens? One of my goals this year has been to start to equip our teens not just to personally own their faith, but to also be able to learn how they fit in this gathering of people we call "the Church." Back in January, we walked with our teens helping them to see how God has wired them and gifted them to serve Him and others. Over the past two months, I have been working with a group of teens in helping them learn and think through how to prepare to lead a weekly gathering like TYC. This week they're doing it! But it can't stop there. Our teens are so gifted and amazing that I want to help engage and equip all of our teens (not only a smaller group) where they are.
So how can we partner together in this?
1. Do you know what gifts, talents, or joys your teen(s) has? If so, what do those look like in the context of the local church?
2. Is your teen(s) using those gifts already? If not, I would love to come alongside them (and you) to help them find a place where they can use what God has given them to serve Him and serve others.
3. Communicate and let me know how I can engage with your teen(s) in this way. One of the most influential ways for teens to own their faith and make more personal is to own and be a part of the local church they gather with each week.
That statement has to potential to be the downfall of so many people. Maybe you are feeling the weight of saying that statement too often that you are now so overloaded with stuff, you don't know if you'll survive. Unfortunately, this is often the sentiment amongst ministry leaders. I can do it and I have to do it because that's what people expect the "professionals" to do. However, I believe that we have an improper view of ministry leaders. Ministry leaders aren't called to "do" everything there is to do in ministry, but rather they are called to "equip the saints (members, other Christians, etc.) for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:12).
Okay, sure, that applies to some of the older, more spiritually mature believers right? No, God calls ministry leaders to "equip the saints...". There are no other qualifications given. So what in the world does this have to do with teens? One of my goals this year has been to start to equip our teens not just to personally own their faith, but to also be able to learn how they fit in this gathering of people we call "the Church." Back in January, we walked with our teens helping them to see how God has wired them and gifted them to serve Him and others. Over the past two months, I have been working with a group of teens in helping them learn and think through how to prepare to lead a weekly gathering like TYC. This week they're doing it! But it can't stop there. Our teens are so gifted and amazing that I want to help engage and equip all of our teens (not only a smaller group) where they are.
So how can we partner together in this?
1. Do you know what gifts, talents, or joys your teen(s) has? If so, what do those look like in the context of the local church?
2. Is your teen(s) using those gifts already? If not, I would love to come alongside them (and you) to help them find a place where they can use what God has given them to serve Him and serve others.
3. Communicate and let me know how I can engage with your teen(s) in this way. One of the most influential ways for teens to own their faith and make more personal is to own and be a part of the local church they gather with each week.
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