Today I decided to stop by my local Christian bookstore and as soon as I walked in, I couldn't help but chuckle. You could purchase anything from literal mustard seeds to "pick Jesus" guitar picks, from fish car decals to "where will you spend eternity?" tracks (not to mention the entire display of "Bible friendly" highlighters). While I instantly felt ashamed to own a "Got Jesus?" T-shirt, I couldn't help but contemplate if we, Christians, are sending the same idea to the world that the bookstore was sending to me.
For a second I thought, "I know there is more to Christianity than cheesy T-shirts and purity rings, but do the nonbelievers around me?"
If Jesus were here, would he be wearing "WWJD" bracelets, or spending time with the needy and lost?
Would he be counting on a T-shirt to display his faith, or would he invest in the lives of people in order to share his love?
These questions brought me to a final, more thought provoking one: What is the message that we, as a church, are screaming to our community?
I pray that my message is not one of bible friendly highlighters, but of a love much deeper than the things of this world. I hope my life screams to the world "I will not waste time on monotonous religion, but I will risk everything for the glory Jesus Christ."
Friday, January 13, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Student ministry becoming STUDENTS' Ministry
Recently, my church has not been a home for me. It has been a building filled with strangers. I feel obligated to go to because I catch lofty glances when I've been gone for too many weeks. This has never been the case before.
This morning I looked around and contemplated my change of heart. I thought, "Surely, I am not falling into the trap of passionless religion. God's love means too much to me."
For so long, I have blamed my newfound perspective of church on the church itself. I have a new youth pastor with perspectives much different than my own, the church is spending ridiculous, unnecessary money and my relationships with my peers consist solely of insincere smiles and the occasional "I'm doing well." However, as I pondered this morning, it became apparent to me that the position of my heart needed more help than the church I attend.
This morning, God revealed to me that my youth pastor is there only because he is a part of God's plan for our student ministry. He revealed to me that while the money being used could feed hundreds of starving children, there are thousands of students in our community starving for something real- the love of Jesus. He reminded me that the people in my church have become strangers to me only because I have failed to invest in them and love them the way I should. Most of all, God revealed to me that the student ministry at my church is the STUDENTS' ministry.
It is time we claim our ministries. It is time for change. Let us not follow our leaders blindly, but prayerfully respect God's plan for them and work with them to renew our mission.
This morning I looked around and contemplated my change of heart. I thought, "Surely, I am not falling into the trap of passionless religion. God's love means too much to me."
For so long, I have blamed my newfound perspective of church on the church itself. I have a new youth pastor with perspectives much different than my own, the church is spending ridiculous, unnecessary money and my relationships with my peers consist solely of insincere smiles and the occasional "I'm doing well." However, as I pondered this morning, it became apparent to me that the position of my heart needed more help than the church I attend.
This morning, God revealed to me that my youth pastor is there only because he is a part of God's plan for our student ministry. He revealed to me that while the money being used could feed hundreds of starving children, there are thousands of students in our community starving for something real- the love of Jesus. He reminded me that the people in my church have become strangers to me only because I have failed to invest in them and love them the way I should. Most of all, God revealed to me that the student ministry at my church is the STUDENTS' ministry.
It is time we claim our ministries. It is time for change. Let us not follow our leaders blindly, but prayerfully respect God's plan for them and work with them to renew our mission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)