Not About Me

Over the weekend we had a local retreat that we called N.A.M - Not About Me. The weekend featured teaching on serving and then the opportunity to go out and serve others. We had a phenomenal time. I loved every minute of it. On Friday night, we made cards and crafts that we would deliver on Saturday. I had the privilege of teaching that night from James 1.26-27 on the essence of genuine religion - to visit orphans and widows in their distress. Then on Saturday, we divided our Jr. High group into smaller groups to go out and serve. We had a team go to the Children's Hunger Fund to help pack boxes that would go to underprivileged families. Then we had teams going to visit some of our homebound members and also to an Assisted Care Living facility to participate in a worship service. I was reminded how much we underestimate these students and their ability to do ministry. I watched 12 year olds tell 90 yr olds about the saving work of Christ. It was a joy to watch.

I fear that too often in youth ministry, when students think of ministry, they think of games, fun, camp, bands, concerts, and funny, entertaining personalities. (But this really isn't just a youth problem.) Unfortunately, true ministry is often lost. We have lost the goal of Col 1.28-29 - to present everyman complete in Christ. That is what ministry is about. If we can have some fun somewhere in that process then fine, but fun isn't the goal. My prayer is that this would ignite a fire in the hearts of our students and staff to serve more in this type of ministry.