Ministry Vomit

Several years ago I had an intern who replied, "we not to stop feeding our students so much - let's give them an opportunity to throw it up."

Although graphic, what he meant was, we need to provide opportunities for our students to apply what we've been teaching. C.S. Lewis wrote, "Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn." In ministry, we are called to equip the saints through knowledge but we do them a great disservice if we don't help them apply their new found knowledge.

Last night we had our first of three planning meetings for our upcoming Student Led Sunday. On this special day we'll teach all of our adult connect groups, lead in worship, preaching, and the other duties of a Sunday morning - greeters, ushers, etc. It was really great to cast the vision and become a member of the group as they brainstormed and thought through how we are going to minister and share the gospel on this special day.

Some of my most rewarding moments in ministry isn't speaking in front of thousands, writing a published article, or being around giants of the faith. I find the most fulfillment in ministry when I see students grab vision and begin to apply God's Word towards serving others. I love hearing the conversations that are full of "what if's" and "maybe we could" and "what about" and "how can use God's Word".

I'm excited about what the next few weeks holds as we gather thoughts and begin working toward serving the body in this meaningful way. I'm looking forward to seeing our students stretch themselves in serving the Savior and see what God might do in the life of our church and our students.

Last night we had the beginnings of ministry vomit and I was feeling great.

Sweating Courage

I know that services all over the world will take place tonight in observance of Maundy Thursday...the beginning events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. According to Wikipedia (not that I use all that often)most scholars agree that the English word Maundy in that name for the day is derived through Middle English, and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you"), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34).

As Jesus walked to the cross, he was leaving morsels of truth to help his disciples, of whom he calls friends in Jn. 15, continue in the work of the Gospel. But I can't help but wonder one if one of the most significant moments of the Easter events isn't in the garden before Galgotha...

It is recorded that Jesus sweat blood while in the garden...a sign of incredible stress and anguish. It's here that Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done." Jesus is struggling, hurting, stressed, overwhelmed in such a way that his body responds by sweating blood. Although Jesus is obedient, sacrificial, unwavering, the word that comes to mind is courageous.

Jesus had courage.
Courage to go through with it.
It wasn't all just talk.
It wasn't all just a show.
It wasn't all just a put on.
More than prophecy fulfilled, it was extraordinarily brave.

Knowing that his entire incarnational experience is pointing to this moment, and knowing what he is about to endure, he courageously stands and meets the crowd of accusers who will lead him to six different trials, to be beaten, scourged, and eventually crucified.

What incredible courage our Savior had to meet his purpose head on.

I hope that when tests come my way to prove my purpose as a faithful follower of Christ, I'll be half as brave.

"Jesus, faithful King, Lord with grateful hearts we sing, how great is the love of our Savior. The weight of the cross, the curse of our shame, you carried it all and rose from the grave. How great is the love of our Savior!" - Meredith Andrews, singer/songwriter