This semester was a challenge, especially with the projects and the amount of time that we needed to set aside for this class. Some if not most of us did not realize that. Some showed frustration, and other emotions that were expected but sometimes they were more elevated that probably should. Myself included. But the big thing that I was able to walk away with from this class and semester might be deep but is very meaningful to the ministry and student we/I will be touching once my time is done here at MVNU. That is that not matter how much stress, frustration, headbutting, and what ever else I may encounter in ministry or life it is absolutely worth going on that to not only put a smile on a kids face, but create the opportunity to reach a student on their level and where they are in life. It's the difference I can make in a students life that makes any amount of stress or frustration worth that time it takes. That smile on that kids face, that conversation I have with them might be just what they need to change their outlook on life for the better.
What moments or events stood out to you? How do you think the events we put on will help you in ministry once you are done at MVNU?
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My AH-HA moment may have been when we were taught that games have become all-stars and spectators with people no longer playing for fun. It was something I was aware of on a subconscious level but having it pointed out made it clear. This class helped clarify my call and I am grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteAll semester I have struggled with the idea if youth ministry really was for me and every time I doubted it I was affirmed in some way or another. The biggest affirmation for me which was my biggest ah-ha moment was at MSO. I was constantly affirmed by people there that I was very blessed to be given the skills I have and it was very humbling that God was using me in the life of youth. Realizing when God is using for His glory will always be the biggest ah-ha moments of my life.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest AH-HA moment of the semester was at MSO. It was somewhat stressful planning the event,but overall, it made for a good night in the lives of middle school aged kids. I have always had a passion for middle school students because of when I was in middle school. It was not the best of times for me so as a middle school aged person I can somewhat understand how awkward and hard it can be. Having said that, I enjoyed watching the kids have fun with not only each other, but also the leaders as well. This will help me in my ministry further down the road because as a leader of children or even youth, it is crucially important to be able to listen and relate to what a child is saying. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of jumbled words in the air going in one ear and out the other. I was able to talk to kids that night and it made my passion for middle school aged students grow. Overall, I think in a way, this event not only challenged me in my calling to ministry, but also affirmed it in ways that I was not expecting.
ReplyDeletemy biggest AH HA was during the MSO when I got to meet a lovely little eighth grader who was nervous about being there and I got to help and affirm she was doing good and help ease her and let her have more fun. With what I want to do with my degree I want to help kids have fun and be personal and caring with them. It is affirming for me to find a way to bring one of my gifts for kids and apply it to our event with middle schoolers.
ReplyDeleteMy "Aha" moment was probably at the end of MSO. It had been a really long night (as all of you know), and everyone was exhausted; however, we had put on a great night for the kids. It was then, at about 6am, that I got a sort of second wind - I was bouncing off the walls at the end of an All-Nighter!! After all of that worrying, all of that planning, all of that energy spend fighting to keep my eyes open, we had made a difference for these kids. It was totally worth it. For a long time, I have struggled with nerves - forcing myself to put myself out there in ministry and in interpersonal relationships. That explosion of energy and the feeling of fulfillment that came with it reminded me that it is totally worth it! Honoring God in fighting for loving service of others is rarely easy, but it is always worth it.
ReplyDeleteIt might be because it is still fresh in my mind, but MSO sticks out to me. It was chaotic a lot of the night and during the planning leading up to it, but overall I enjoyed it. I enjoyed involving the students and being pushed out of my box. The event also showed me how people still show up even though finals were around the corner and there were going to be stinky teens present. Seeing my group in fight or flight mode was interesting to see and it showed how important team bonding and preparedness is. Seeing this will help me later on because I'll know a little better how to deal with stressful situations and teammates I might not get along with super easily. It taught me more so how necessary adaptability is as well. Events and life itself don't ever go perfectly, and maybe they're not supposed to. What matters most is how you deal with upsets to the plan and problems that occur. With this in mind, I'll prioritize the most important ideas and keep them that way.
ReplyDeleteI totally connect with what you are saying Clay. Ministry life gets crazy, and then in that craziness a moment happens that reminds you why you are doing it. At MSO, I had so many past kids that I have taught come up to me and reminisce about when I was their teacher. It pulled me back into those days at each of their churches. I truly just loved on them, amidst so much political drama and stressful tension. I had no idea the effect I had until I saw their excitement at my presence. For me, my ah-ha moment was the need to put aside my own stress and realize the work of God directly in the moment. This is not a normal thought process for me so I am going to need to be incredible intentional in the future. The events we put on reminded me how wonderful it is to be working with a team. I truly loved my team, and the effort we created together was more than I could ever hope to do on my own. In the church, I have always felt like my ministry was a silo effort, much like the other ministries around me. These events have pushed me to consider ways that I can engage with other ministry teams to create a more collaborative effort.
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