Monday, March 28, 2011

Vocational Discipleship pt 1

Lens; student ministry

Premise; ministry to teenagers is less about tomorrow and more about later, sometimes much later

First, I am not condemning anyones ministry. Lord knows that I have missed the mark more times to count over the last 10 years. I am in a season of deconstruction when it comes to the intention behind ministry to students/youth/teenagers. It is a tough place to be when one doesn't have much patience.

So here is where this is coming from; I was recently listening to a recorded conversation with David Kinnaman who co-wrote an incredible book titled UnChristian. Within the conversation he mentioned a huge weakness in the Church at present. He tagged it as 'Vocational Discipleship'. He's smart and hip - so we will go with it. Shortly after he gave a brief description my mind went into a place of warp-speed. I literally don't remember finishing my drive to work. Sorry Nan, don't mean to freak you out.

First realization, My Church definitely calls its congregants to engage the kingdom where they find it i.e. at work, at home and in their community and world. That is all well and good if a.) you're a regular worship attender b.) you are an auditory learner c.) an adult that meets the situations daily. What about students? I immediately felt like the spotlight was on me while standing on a empty stage begging for the music to start - think Napoleon Dynamite.

First thought, for those of us connected or actively participating in ministry to students;
Are we too consumed with the present that we forget about the future of our kids as fruitful disciples in the Kingdom? You see, I am guilty as charged. I hope that we lean into a healthy tension between active and aware engagement now in the life offered to us in Christ and quality preparatory discipleship training that knows that we are all ministers of the gospel and that we are all called. I know that for myself it was a long time before I realized - I mean really realized that the Great Commission was for all, not just those with a fancy church staff title.

I want students under my care to have more tools to seek His Kingdom as a college student, an intern, a young professional, a healthcare professional, a teacher, a musician. I believe it is our call. I don't believe this is a new idea. When I look at the gospels I see Jesus constantly speaking and doing things that are in preparation for his followers. Engaging conversations that speak to their emerging vocation as well as action that shows others how to react and envelop their calling in their world. I see the growing pains of the early church in Acts that depended solely on the spirit of God to discern and lead. I read Paul challenging those seeking Christ to shrug off the distractions and seek the Lord. Not just a seeking in a particular time and place, but rather in their lives, all-the-while undergirding a message of holiness - the set apart.

Students need to know that seeking holiness is not just a time or place but rather a way.

2nd thought coming soon


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