It’s hard to believe that summer break is already over. Weeks of planning for camp, day trips, middle school mission week, and pool parties and now all these events are behind us. For this, I have two things to say. First, I’m incredibly thankful for all that we did during the summer, it was truly a memorable one for me. Second, I’m ready for the new semester and for some normalcy to return! I truly enjoy our Wednesday night and Sunday night gatherings and I’m excited to see everyone again!
I wanted to write this month’s article and explain my plans for this semester and the mission I have as I lead and serve this student ministry. Of course, my goal is always to teach these students about Christ, the Gospel, etc. However, there needs to be some formation or design to this mission. Simply having a goal but no track to get there is not sufficient to success. Take for example one of the hardest truths of students life’s:
statistics show that “anywhere from 50 to 80% of Christian students walk away from their faith or stop attending church during their college years.” This is a quote from Justin Horey in his article to Christian Standard. And to be honest, this statistic really bothers me.
I’m partly responsible for these student’s Christian education, and I take that very seriously. But I know that statistic isn’t just because of hollow student ministries - the major component of students walking away from the faith is themselves. There can be a multitude of reasons why these high school graduates walk away from the faith, but the simple fact of the high percentage of them leaving keeps me thinking. I told you earlier, there needs to be some design to student equipping ministry, so I would like to share that mission statement with you now.
“Jesus is our model, not merely as a guide but as the personification of discipleship. He not only called and led the disciples and others to himself, but loved them, taught them, trained them, equipped them, and sent them out to do as He had done … make disciples” - Darren DePaul
As I lead this student ministry and teach them about Jesus, this will be my mission statement. My work is the work of leading the students to Jesus, loving them, teaching them, training them, equipping them, and sending them. All in the name of Christ and for His glory. This method of mine does not guarantee success, it does not guarantee amazing results, but it does produce faithfulness. Faithfulness in me to train them the way Christ tells me to, and my faithfulness in God to constantly hand them to Him and say salvation is God’s to give, not me. If I can point these students and their families to the Creator and to the One who gives grace, then I would have done my job well. In the meantime, while I have them in this student ministry, rest assured that it is my goal to train them well as previously stated.
With this in mind, I’m again excited for this new school year ahead of us. I’ll be starting a new sermon series called “The Essentials” which explains key essential points to know for the Christian faith. I believe and pray that this will equip the students well and give them confidence in their faith. Please pray for this ministry, the students, their families, the adult leaders, for me, and for this school year. May the time we work for this ministry help build the Kingdom of God and strengthen His church.
His Glory Alone
