Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “It is always
easier to do something yourself then try to get someone to do the same thing
for you.” I am the type of person that loves to figure out the best, easiest
and fastest ways of doing things. In doing so, I often forget the long form
steps and jump right to the shortcuts. Well, shortcuts do not teach well. Often
times a task can take two or three times the amount of time trying to show
someone else how to do it. It is exactly this task that should be the primary
focus of pastoral ministry.
“Catch a fish for somebody and they have a meal, teach them
how to fish for themselves and they can eat for a lifetime.” This phrase has so
much truth in it because you are investing in the life of someone. Paul told
Timothy “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many
witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2
Timothy 2:2). One person can only do so much, but when you teach others to do
it too you multiply yourself and your effectiveness.
This week we are going to have a lesson
in youth group on priorities taught by one of my students, Jeremy Roth. It can
be risky to give a teenager the opportunity to teach youth group, but it can
also be the foundation of great growth. Paul instructs in Ephesians that the
ministry of a pastor is to train the “flock” to do “the work of the ministry.”
Just because it is easier to do it myself, doesn’t mean that is what I am
supposed to do.
Over the past few months I have
realized that I need to prioritize the involvement of teens in the youth group
ministry here at Lakeside Christian Church. We have seen tremendous growth in
our group numerically and in spiritual depth and I attribute the majority of
this growth the students involvement in “Take 5” and “Testimony” times.
“Take 5” is where we take 5 minutes to
share how God is working in us to reach someone with the Gospel, some ministry
we did or how God is teaching us. Each week several teens share something God
is doing! It is exciting to hear how God is working in the teens lives, but
even more so, teens hear from their peers how to live for Jesus everyday!
“Testimony” time has been giving the
teens opportunity to share their “God story” with the group. This is a short
story of what they were like before they came to Jesus, how they met Jesus and
how Jesus has changed their life. This is an un-coached time where I allow the
students to share what is on their heart. I’ve learned so much about each teen
who has participated and so has the group. When teens start opening up about
real life issues in front of their peers amazing things begin to happen.
And now I am beginning to have teens
teach their peers the Bible during lesson time. Several of the students have
showed a desire to teach and I am excited to let them do it! It is a priority
to allow students to learn how to study the Bible and present what they have
learned in a way that challenges other students to pursue Jesus through His
Word.
It is because someone was willing take
a big risk giving me my first opportunity that I am here today! I hope and pray
that the students will be open to finding out what gifts God has given them and
how they can use it for God’s glory!
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