I've been praying a lot lately for God to instill in me a specific vision for Student Ministry. No loud voices, no burning bushes, no puffs of smoke, no "Oh my gosh, I was praying for a sign about student ministry and as I was driving down I-40 I saw a billboard that had kids on it and I just knew it was from God" things either, just a passion that God has instilled in my heart is what keeps coming back to me over and over and over again, and I want to share it with you today.
Growing up, my parents used to always tell me to "Dream Big." Simple enough. To me that used to mean; winning a state championship in baseball, going to college, becoming a pastor, having a family, not having to buy a car with more than 115k miles on it, buy a home, etc... This list goes on and on. Funny thing is, I don't think that's what they had in mind, and I know it's not what God has in mind. It's something bigger. Much bigger.
So what is my vision for Student Ministry? Well, if I dream big, here's what you got: (*Note, of course, I want my students to truly grasp the gospel more than anything, but here are some things I want to see God do while I'm here.)
1. To be the #1 Sending Agency for Students in Worldwide Missions in the United States.
This is already taking place on the front line of International Church Planting. College Students and Seminary Graduates are taking their places in the movement of God worldwide. Now, realistically, I understand that Students can not pack up their bags, tell mommy and daddy at the age of 15 that they are leaving tomorrow to head to Central Asia to plant a church. That's ridiculous. BUT, they CAN be active in seeing church planting locally and internationally SO much that they dream about it at night, they think about it all day, and when they leave the Student Ministry, it's the desire of their hearts. Let's get them involved in God's work worldwide. You would be surprised at how many Seminary Students set foot on the campus and have never been outside the country to see firsthand the work of God in this world.
2. To be a community of students who are so passionate about loving one another and our community that even the lost in the city would look at them and say "We really don't believe in God, but how do you explain that?" (That's a quote from Dr. J.D. Greear, Pastor of Summit Church, Durham, NC)This is already taking place on the front line of International Church Planting. College Students and Seminary Graduates are taking their places in the movement of God worldwide. Now, realistically, I understand that Students can not pack up their bags, tell mommy and daddy at the age of 15 that they are leaving tomorrow to head to Central Asia to plant a church. That's ridiculous. BUT, they CAN be active in seeing church planting locally and internationally SO much that they dream about it at night, they think about it all day, and when they leave the Student Ministry, it's the desire of their hearts. Let's get them involved in God's work worldwide. You would be surprised at how many Seminary Students set foot on the campus and have never been outside the country to see firsthand the work of God in this world.
3. To have one of the most ethnically diverse Student Ministries in America.
Listen, in order to truly look like the church, we have to reach all people of all races. Difficult? Yes. But seriously, who backs away from a challenge? I mean, if you do, I think I have some barbies left over from our church yard sale and I can get to you!
Let me tell you, unless we begin to dream big, we'll never attempt great things for our God. To use the infamous quote "Expect Great things from God, attempt great things for God." (William Carey) I want to attempt great things for the Lord, and I want to see God do great things in the lives of students.
No comments:
Post a Comment