2012…four numbers that can be scary…that’s if you believe the Hollywood type of hype associated with it. While most of us choose to focus on the immediate future…tomorrow, this week, and if were lucky maybe even next month, I must force myself to plan ahead…why?
Student ministry is not a ‘job’, it’s a calling. Although that may sound cliché, it is the truth. In order to successfully plan two things must exist:
1. You must be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit, and
2. You must be willing to write in pencil (so that you can erase ‘your’ plan several times).
As humans, it seems like when we get ideas, we tend to hold on to them with a fierce grip. It could be as simple as a paint color for a room, name of a pet or in my case a particular event for students. I think God has fun with planners….especially those who plan REALLY early.
I put together a comprehensive plan for the Southbrook Student Ministry a few months back. That’s right…a few months back. Seemed odd, but as I wrote out ideas, met with our adult leaders and have continued to pray trough some of the things we are doing….it seems that God is really shaping our 2012 ministry experience. I’m excited…it seems that God is going to continue to do some really cool things at Southbrook Church. While most of the plans for 2012 for the students have been written, I have a tub full of erasers ready to make to modifications.
Parents, Southbrookies, and blog visitors, just know that whether you are here or somewhere else, God wants to do an amazing work in your life. Does He always give us a full plan?…no not really. Does He always tell us exactly what we are to do next?…no not really. We can be paralyzed not knowing exactly what He wants, or we can start moving and let Him guide us. My prayer for 2012 is that He would not only do an amazing work in the lives of the students, but would do an amazing work in the lives of all those who are willing to submit their plans, thoughts, and lives to Him (see James 4:10). Are we willing to submit our everything to Him?