Well I've survived the first month back at Challenge! The first month has been quite an experience! In a short time we've had a whole bunch of events. Coming out of this busy summer there were times I wasn't sure if I'd even make it to the first day of classes! I still haven't gotten the hang of the ups and downs of collegiate ministry, however, through this summer and first month I've been reminded that in all of the events that go on and activity I'm apart of the most important thing Jesus Christ.
As things have unfolded this past month I look back amazed at how little I've really done and how God has been working in the lives of the students and staff long before we ever planned any of these events. I've been blessed to see many new students come across our ministry and connect with our student leaders because of weird connections and just God allowing them to really engage in meaningful relationships. I'm really excited to see how God might grow our student leaders as they seek to intentionally invest themselves into discipling relationships with these new students.
Through my career group bible study at FSBC and the stories of people I've met this past month I've been reminded that God is and always has been the initiator of action. That God has been pursuing us and seeks to be in relationship with us. That God desires to work a restorative transformation in our lives. This recognition has really helped to refocus me and take some pressure off. I have to admit that for a time I think I was distracted by everything going on and putting my focus on trying to get things done that I lost sight of the truth of what is really important. Which is the fruit God desires to bring about in my life as a result of my obedience to Him.
I also lost sight of the centrality of relationships in ministry. All the tasks and events that we try to do for people don't mean anything if we lose sight of the relationships that we have with the people on our planning teams and the people that come to our ministry. The primary growth tool God uses to work in my life and others is the Church. The Church is made up of people. Sometimes I think we forget this and treat the programs, buildings, and organizations that are meant to serve the Church as the “church.” That was a huge wake up call for me when I realized I had put my focus on getting things done and forgot that what really needed to get done was the relationships I have with the students. The real work that needs to be done isn't the socials, outreach events or worship nights, its the people. Building up those who are the Church and being faithful to show up and engage those God calls to become part of His Church.
So please pray for me as the year continues that I remember to focus all my attention and energy into my relationship with Jesus Christ growing in loving obedience to Him as I follow His commands to be a disciple maker.
Through my career group bible study at FSBC and the stories of people I've met this past month I've been reminded that God is and always has been the initiator of action. That God has been pursuing us and seeks to be in relationship with us. That God desires to work a restorative transformation in our lives. This recognition has really helped to refocus me and take some pressure off. I have to admit that for a time I think I was distracted by everything going on and putting my focus on trying to get things done that I lost sight of the truth of what is really important. Which is the fruit God desires to bring about in my life as a result of my obedience to Him.
I also lost sight of the centrality of relationships in ministry. All the tasks and events that we try to do for people don't mean anything if we lose sight of the relationships that we have with the people on our planning teams and the people that come to our ministry. The primary growth tool God uses to work in my life and others is the Church. The Church is made up of people. Sometimes I think we forget this and treat the programs, buildings, and organizations that are meant to serve the Church as the “church.” That was a huge wake up call for me when I realized I had put my focus on getting things done and forgot that what really needed to get done was the relationships I have with the students. The real work that needs to be done isn't the socials, outreach events or worship nights, its the people. Building up those who are the Church and being faithful to show up and engage those God calls to become part of His Church.
So please pray for me as the year continues that I remember to focus all my attention and energy into my relationship with Jesus Christ growing in loving obedience to Him as I follow His commands to be a disciple maker.
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