Happy Monday!
Last night we ate some walking tacos, I was mocked for using a plate instead of a teeny tiny chip bag, Eli led us in some beautiful worship, we prayed together, and I went off script to tell a story about what I am learning right now. Some of you may have noticed that there wasn’t a parent email last week. Last Monday was a strange day in my life, and I have an overwhelming sense that God is teaching or revealing something to me. I walked into the office like usual, and Matthew wasn’t far behind me. We spent some time talking about ministry plans, measurable goals, and all sorts of things that were floating around our heads as we looked forward to the upcoming leadership retreat. Somewhere in that conversation, we both felt moved to pray for surrender and revival, so we did. I typically wouldn’t want to be the kind of person who tells a broad audience that “I pray, so im #holy” for fear that people would think I was bragging somehow. I share it here because that time of prayer shifted a block in the way that I think about youth ministry and has sent me hurtling down a path that has been filled with introspection, prayer, and so many excellent books. For years I have lived with this nagging sense that the Church was meant for more - specifically as it relates to youth and family ministry. I couldn't tell you what “more” was, or even what “more” might look like in practice, and even now as those feelings bubble back up I’m not sure that I have an answer. For the first time in my adult life though I am allowing myself to live in that uncomfortable tension of unknowing, where I would typically run from it and return to the comfort of status-quo youth ministry. How does this all relate to what we talked about Sunday night, or even NextGen ministry at Remembrance though? Well, on Sunday night I tried to share with the high schoolers what I feel God is teaching me. Story is an incredibly powerful tool and as I go through this season of learning, I wanted to invite our high schoolers (and you guys) to simply come with me and listen if you’re interested. I shared that one of the things I struggle with on a week to week basis is choosing the right words or the right phrases that I hope will resonate with students, and ultimately help them come into an encounter with the living God. I spend an embarrassing amount of time trying to put myself in the shoes of a high school or middle school student and then writing or re-writing the words that I think will help that student most clearly understand or comprehend a God who by his very nature cannot be fully understood or comprehended. When the night is over I'll typically spend the drive home thinking of ways I could have phrased something differently and kick myself for it. I’m not suggesting that the words are unimportant, or that trying to know or comprehend God is a futile exercise that we should abandon. On the contrary, one of my favorite things about being a Christian is coming up against this wall in my thinking about God and (instead of becoming frustrated that I can’t fully understand Him,) simply standing in wonder at how vast, good, beautiful, merciful, and rich He is. Words can’t even begin to capture the depth of feelings or the outpouring of worship that happens in that space. If there was a way to sit in that space with you and your students, I’m not sure that words would even be necessary. In a world where youth group is likely just one more thing that is piled onto the already mind-numbing list of obligations or expectations that are placed on our students, I want it to stand apart as a place of rest, belonging, and utmost value. A place that is centered on Christ, rooted deeply in the Word, and worshipful by nature. I’m not sure that is a space I can manufacture for our students, but I want to do everything in my power to make room for it. If you’re still reading this, bless you for your perseverance. My heart aches for revival and I have a deep sense that God is moving. At the end of all this rambling, I hope you feel similar stirrings. I’m beyond excited to see what God has in store for us this year, and I am honored to be surrounded by such great volunteers, parents, and students as we seek Him together. Next week we will return to our conversation about spiritual gifts, and I hope to see you at the parent meeting after the service this Sunday! Have a wonderful week
1 Comment
Eunice Kooiman
1/26/2023 10:34:13 am
Noah, I love what you have written! It is a beautiful expression of your heart and who you are! I only wish we could jump back about 30 yrs. and do youth group with you. Be encouraged: I'm confident that God called you to ministry at Remembrance "for such a time as this"!! Praying for you this morning. We love you. THANKS for loving Jesus and our kids! BLESSINGS, Jim & Eunice
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