At the bottom of this post I’ve embedded a tremendous presentation by micro-sculpture artist Willard Wigan. Willard produces sculptures so tiny and so ornate that he has to work between his own heartbeats. Yeah. I said that. His work is so microscopic that he has literally inhaled his own sculptures. The slightest breath or change in friction will utterly destroy the fruits of his labor.
I was watching this and it made me think about ministry (doesn’t everything).
I think the best thing you can do in student ministry is be simultaneously present with your God and your students. To hear the still small voice of God and to hear the deep yearnings of an anxious teenager are two very difficult aspirations. I’d even say they’re so difficult that most people have given up trying.
Willard’s work style must become the style of youth ministers. We’ve got to shut up, slow down, hold our breath, and work in between the pulse and thumping of our always-on, always-updating culture.
It’s amazing how much of your stuff about student ministry speaks to our ministry with hurting adults. Thanks for this.
OK. So here is my theory.
Pastors live in so much pressure to keep numbers up. Because if those numbers drop, then the building doesn’t get paid for, staff doesn’t get paid for, all the equipment that’s been bought becomes a waste of money. Today’s churches are SO deeply tied to money and money is directly correlated with numbers.
So one of the most beautiful things about youth ministry is that – if our numbers waver a bit – we don’t lose so much ground. Sure, if everyone stops showing up, we’d get fired, but whether I have 20 or 40 or 60 doesn’t really make a money difference.
SO… we have the freedom to really listen, experiment, and test out new things. Some of the better known “famous” people in the youth pastor realm have questioned the necessity of even having regular weekly “youth groups” because – in reality – every other part of youth ministry is MUCH more engaging and stimulating. That could NEVER happen in most American churches (under the current dominating models they opperate under) because there would be much much less income if the offering plate doesn’t get passed around.
All that to say: I think that youth ministry tends lead itself to be a much more authentic expression of faith (even if it isn’t really trying to) because there is LESS (but not none) pressure on numbers/money.
And i think your ministry to hurting adults could probably say the same thing.
That is so true. I’ve really been wrestling with the money thing lately. I think about gearing myself up for some visits to area churches to ask for support, but then… I don’t wanna. I want to hang with my peeps.
So far we pull in money by … you know, working
but more and more of my time goes to ministry, and work suffers. My heart isn’t in it. I think I’m going to have to figure out the money thing soon. Spending lots of time in prayer & seeking guidance so I don’t get my priorities out of whack.