Once again I’m reminded that life-changing ministry isn’t necessarily sitting in a church office planning events and games. It’s not always about the next big trip, how many students are in attendance, or how much money is in the budget. Although these things are important and have their obvious place, life-changing ministry seems to usually take place in those seemingly insignificant moments that I soon forget about. It’s the unexpected e-mail that says, “Hey Tim, remember last year when you and I were just standing around talking and you said such-and-such? That changed my life forever.” It’s the random Instant Message that says, “You probably don’t remember me, but I was scared and lonely and you gave me a hug. I’m alive today because I felt like you actually cared.” Or the phone rings that from an unknown caller, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m now a church worship leader because of your influence on me during high school. Thank you.” Wow.
I am no different. I’m in youth ministry because of a Student Venture staff member named Bob Klein. A couple years ago I had the opportunity to take him out to lunch, just as he did for me in high school, and say, “Bob, thanks for your influence on my life. Here’s where I am today because of it.”
Ministry isn’t about what you do; it’s about who you are.
Posted on May 22, 2006
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That is so true. Just last weekend, we were collecting things for our yard sale. In the middle of the work, I was handed a huge birthday card that all of the students had signed. After reading it, fundraising did not seem nearly as important.
What happenned to Sisyphean Musings?
Neuro, you have the wrong Tim Schmoyer. I don’t keep up with the other Tim Schmoyer’s blog, so I can’t really help ya there. Sorry.
Wise words my friend….
[...] I have a difficult time giving myself that kind of flexibility to casually drop in and out of the church office because I (unnecessarily) feel a need to let the other church staff know that I’m present and working hard. But why do I feel this? It’s not like the church places any pressure on me in this area. I’m confident they all respect me and my time. I know I’ve earned their trust, so why do I feel like I need them to see me at the church office doing work when I’ve already established that real ministry ultimately takes place in the relationships I build with students? It sounds like Doug Fields would be the kinda guy that could stay up late talking with a student about life issues and then dock the hours out of the next day by going into the church office later. Although I intellectually agree that these boundaries on our time are important, I would feel terribly guilty for not showing up in the office at the normal time anyway. I may fall asleep at the keyboard, but at least I’d be there! [...]