I’m a sucker for organization. It makes me happy. But when it comes to journaling, it’s hard to differentiate (this will be my personal journal, this will be my plans for the ministry I’m working with, this will be my public blog, etc.). So, I’m just going to write whatever whenever—then cut and paste when I want to share stuff. Chances are, most of the things will be of some use one way or another—whether it’s anecdotal, relational identification, or ministry enlightenment. So, it may well be that I share the majority, if not all, of my inspirational and not-so-inspirational thoughts. Take what you will, leave other bits, and laugh at the rest—I won’t be offended, I promise.
In any case, today I need to write about some thoughts related to one of my main responsibilities at Hilliard (the Christian school in Tasmania for which I will be working as chaplain for 12 months-ish). In addition to caring for the spiritual life of the church, they want me to create a bridge between the school and the church. I’ve been thinking about that a lot in the past day or so.
13 June 2010
See this is why being home is so bad for me! No proper schedule, too many other people not following schedules, and nothing gets done. So much I was supposed to do by way of writing and reading has not yet been accomplished! Anyway, the bridge:
The fundamental problem with bridge-building is people don’t realize that if they want a bridge, I’m going to need supplies. The usual response is “Well, we don’t have money, but we can try to take a monthly offering for the ministry project.” The problem is, money is not the mortar we need for this bridge. Love is.
The thing is, the bridge they’re wanting me to build, if they want it to be functional, uses the members of the church as the material and relationships as the bond, or glue, or nails, or rope, or whatever the bridge may look like in your imagination. It’s going to cost a whole lot more than money.
The real question I face is not “can it be done?” or “am I able?” It is “are the ready? Do they really want this; are they truly willing? Do they know the cost?” And it will cost. Love. Time. Heartache. Their lives. You cannot convince a youth of their value if you don’t value them. “Value them how much?” you might ask. How much do you have? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s96UBETEFcc Will an “I’ll take it” be drawn from your lips?
Chuck Bomar’s Seven (7) Points for Building Those Bridges, from College Ministry 101
1. Redefine church: I’m about to make a simple statement that all of us know to be true: the church is not the building; it’s the relationships. It’s not the programs, it’s the people. It’s not an institution, it’s a movement. Yeah, yeah, I know. But that’s the problem. You know it like a cliché. The underlying, ingrained understanding of church is still pervasive in us all.
How would you define your church? Most of the time we don’t talk about the people. We talk about the service, the music, the sermons. Brothers and sisters, I could be the greatest evangelist since Paul—even better—and my church would be a rotting waste pit if this is how my church was viewed.
The reason this is so important is that it defines what it means to bring the youth back into the church. In the old model (and many of our broken psyches) it means to get them to attend a weekly service or a youth group. In the new model, it means creating meaningful and positive relationships with them—relationships that take time and effort from those in the church who love them. And that definition makes every difference.
2. Ignore numbers: This is a tough one. It means not determining success by how many people show up for events. Is one saved? That was more than enough for our Savior.
3. Lead through service: Is your goal to be the greatest or to be great? Are you ready to be a servant for the ones you want to win? Do you want to be a soul-winner or one who seeks and saves the lost—in the dirt and filth, on your hands and knees?
4. Foster unity: especially cross-generationally, and with no motives. No relationship with reasons other than “I love you.” This unity, regardless of productivity, is what makes relationships authentic and teams strong. It is then that they will be successful.
5. Cultivate mentorships: They are the bridge itself. Make them happen.
6. Focus on the new members: A warning for the natural process of continuing to strengthen relationships with those who came in early and stayed with it. Problem is, they’ll graduate; they’ll leave and move on. And if you haven’t been creating relationships with the beginning end, there won’t be a graduating end for very long.
7. Believe in the ministry: Believe in what God has called you to. Have great faith and great expectations. Believe in them and believe in what you are doing. Most of all, believe in the power of God and His total control. The youth can tell ;)
-Colton J. Stollenmaier, M.I.A.
~While we were still sinners, He endured the shame; how can I ever be ashamed?
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