Thoughts after a youth service.
Tonight was a pretty low-key night. Last week we had a big service with a lot going on. This week our adult and children’s ministry did not meet so I knew we would have a lower attended night. And we did.
I preached. We worshipped. We celebrated what God had done during the summer. All in all it was a good night. Not incredible - not horrible. I think we have all been there before.
But after the service it happened. Like He has so many times before, God reminded me “why” we do student ministry in the first place.
As I was doing my usual post service conversations with students - “How was first day of school?” ”How was the ball game?” Typical stuff like that. One young man pulled me aside and asked to talk - as he did he unpacked his life right before me. Right after him another student in the group asked if they could have a few minutes. They then proceeded to let me into what they had been going thru that week and asked if I would pray for them.
As I looked around at the teenagers gathered around tables and playing soccer in the field I came to the realization - I once again realized … I have nothing to give them. I have nothing that can help them … except Jesus.
These kids need Jesus - that’s why we meet.
These kids need Jesus - that’s why we preach.
These kids need Jesus - that’s why we worship.
As I sit in my room pondering over the moments of the night. I feel a weight. I feel this burden, that comes from the clear understanding that we do not meet to show off our musical skills. We do not meet to make sure our transition is perfect and flawless. We do not meet to showcase a special video that we made. No! The young men that talked to me tonight needs so much more than that. The teenagers that come to my student ministry need Jesus.
I want to give Him to them.
