What’s Next? Part 2
We need to be responsive to God’s calling on our lives not to build our own kingdoms, but to see that His work is carried from generation to generation. Let us wear the calling well.
I though it might be good to ponder what is does mean to ‘pass along.’ Well, for me, it is really two fold. Not only passing along the how, but also the why. If our disciples only understand the how and not the why, we have failed. I think both are important, but if I were to identify the most important of the two, it is definitely the why. The ‘why’ of ministry is what is reproducible, the ‘how’ is not always so. Reproducibility is an important word for our ministry at Brook Hills, because we want everything we do to be for the glory of God in all nations. The ‘why’ will not consist of the kinds of sound systems we have, the way we run rehearsals or how to record a great CD project. Instead, it will be more about why humility and honesty in worship are important, why Biblical community is an important component of our corporate gatherings, etc. If I have ‘but a moment’ to speak into someone’s future as a leader in the local church, the ‘why’ must be what they learn.
I have also found that the ‘why’ cannot be communicated enough. Repetition of these fundamental tenants is imperative to your team’s and your church’s understanding of why we worship. It is so easy in our American churches to replace the ‘why’ with the ‘how’ as the most important discussion. I urge you to avoid that at every turn.
As an aside, we live among a visual generation and they will model what they see and model it well. The ‘why’ can’t be about empty words–it must be lived out. What the younger generation sees as successful, they will copy. So with that said, let’s lay out a few practical tools for investing.
1. Start earlier rather than later–we began a few years ago laying the groundwork for identifying potential worship leaders early within our local church. We feel it is important to invest in the future of minstry, so we spend a great deal of time building relationships, teaching skills, hanging out with teenagers and college students. We do our best to encourage them with our words and to provide opportunities for successful ministry. They travel overseas with us, they play with our bands on the weekend, they lead their peers in worship–all of the opportunities for investment.
2. Realize that the harvest looks different than it used to–Don’t write folks off because they look different. I would say, without question, all of our younger players and leaders look very different than I do. There are a lot of reasons for this but, I remind myself often, this generation has been raised by the fashion industry, tv, movies and sometimes, no parents. It is still a generation full of potential. Where their choices are not honoring to the Lord, we discuss it. Where their clothes, tattoos and piercings are simply different than what I would choose, it is not an issue. We want the Spirit of Christ to be the unifying factor in our relationships with one another, not the superficial things.
3. Develop a culture of encouragement–This is fuel for the young. Take time to mention success, affirm something small you have noticed. Allow them to see that you are invested in them and watching what they are doing. On the flip side, make sure the small things stay small. People know if they make mistakes, we don’t always have to speak it. Mistakes are not about character. It is more important that the big things get addressed.
4. Don’t assume that people know everything–Youth are enthusiastic and confident–this is one of the things I love about them. But we need to remember, it doesn’t mean they can handle everything. One of the key components we look for in interns is teachability. We have had to remind some that they are with us primarily to learn, not to teach. Establishing this aspect of their role is important or we can miss our opportunity as a teacher/mentor.
Some will struggle with the realization that they don’t know everything. Be patient enough to be there in the mistakes and the good times. Continually teach the heart over and over and over and it will bear good fruit. And remember, when mistakes are made, put the ball back in their hands.
5. Let people see a whole life and not just a platform experience–I think one of the most important things within our ministry at Brook Hills is that we all live with an open door. Almost on a daily basis, I have someone come by, sit down and just start talking. I have realized that I need to be prepared for way more questions about living than music-how to live with integrity in a world of compromise. If anyone on our team were ‘closed door’ kind of folks, we would miss a lot of opportunities.
6. Be prepared for young people to do things far greater than you will–in the end, this is a reward of a life lived investing in others. We long to see this within our ministry. I hope that you do as well.
I wanted to close this post with a prayer for you within the context of your local ministry:
God help us to be a determined people, worthy of the holy calling you have placed on our lives. May we not raise up a generation of babes, but disciples who will go far beyond where we are, toward Christ. As we share life with others in this way, may our churches hear it in our songs, see it in our relationships and experience it in our leading. Let us be courageous leaders willing to give ourselves away without agenda or pride. Let our ministries not be about our record deal, our trendy appearance or our opportunity, but instead marked with humility and serving alongside. May what is seen onstage also be the same as what is unseen. And let us ultimately realize that our jobs are not our right, but instead an incredible honor. With one another, let us be generous, loving, prayerful and committed.
All for Your glory among the nations–Amen.
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