Friday, March 01, 2013

The Trenches

This weekend I'm spending time with the people who make ministry happen. There are nearly 3000 youth leaders gathered in Indianapolis for the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. I'm here as a volunteer to help make this the best possible experience for those who are in the trenches of ministry. The day to day work that takes place in thousands of churches across the country is what keeps the Body of Christ vital and alive. Yes, there are plenty of examples of struggle, mismanagement, dysfunction and disease in the Body. But that's the nature of a living organism in this sinful world

This weekend those who have been wounded in their work will have a chance to refresh and renew. They will be encouraged. There will be tears and counsel and healing. Some will decide this weekend that God has a different path for their lives. Some will recommit to the hard work they must do. All will celebrate in the certain knowledge that their work glorifies God and has immense value.

Our mission is not easy. We must gather to encourage one another. There must be space in our lives where we can cry, laugh, process and renew our passion for our calling. It's always a joy to be part of a gathering like this in any season of ministry. If you are not finding space to gather at something like SYMC or its equivalent for your area of ministry you should. God provides for and calls us to times of renewal and celebration. It keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously and taking God not seriously enough.

Reminder Note: Please consider a gift to The Shepherd Fund as we launch this new ministry partnering with Carlile College in Nairobi, Kenya for the sake of equipping missionary evangelists for the Continent of Africa. Click here to donate.

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