Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I recently have started listening to so many different podcast. It has become a new obsession of mine. I feel like the last three years of ministry has been amazing but also (for the lack of a better word) lonely. It is a hard job being called to a ministry and my life is drastically different from so many people. Don't hear me complaining because I wouldn't trade it for the world but sometimes ministry seems like a long narrow road with a only a couple other cars on it (Jesus said something about this once i think lol). So podcast have been an amazing connectional tool for me recently to hear what God is doing around the world and I have been deeply encouraged by other youth leaders and pastors who like me need support.
This podcast is by my old youth pastor named Adam Dorband. Adam is a hero and mentor of mine. My son Elliot's middle name is Adam in honor of him. He married my wife and I and is such an amazing example of what a sold out Jesus follower should look like. He does podcast as a part of training his volunteer leaders and I just love everyone I have listened to so far.
In this podcast he talks about our ATTITUDE as believers and servants of Christ.
I love the quote he shared below from Charles R. Swindoll: “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
Ministry so many times can feel like a out of control roller coaster. But like many things in my life recently I have learned that I truly do not have control over much. God is the one who is sovereign and knows the outcome before I even make a hypothesis. One of my favorite bands Phinehas spoke with power when they wrote the lyrics "The Beginning. The End. And What Come After. They Point To Me. I Am Their Master!!" I so many times need to remind myself that I am not the God of anything. But what I can control is my reaction and my ATTITUDE towards the things surrounding my life and ministry.
Jesus ministered in a way that was sacrificial. Jesus didn't count the cost and walk away he willing paid it. As preparation for Christmas has been the majority of my life recently the image of Jesus cleaning his disciples feet overwhelmed me. I never want to simply do ministry. I never want to simply show up. But I want to in everything I do take on the ATTITUDE of Christ. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
Advice for Youth Leaders
1. Check your motives- Why are you leading in the first place? If it isn't for the right reason of seeing teenagers come to know Jesus than maybe reconsider. 2. Act before Feeling- Don't wait to feel like serve but serve and then you will see how your feelings change once you keep trying. 3. Spend time and draw near to God- Connection with God is crucial if you are going to remain fit for ministry. Doing ministry without a continuous connection to Christ is like running a marathon without any water. 4. Think about the value of what you do- One of the things I love about Adam is that he doesn't shy away from the primary point of ministry. To bring students into a relationship with Jesus that will last now into eternity. 5. Figure out how to "wash feet" like Jesus- Look for ways in your ministry or in any ministry you are apart of to sacrificial serve. Anything from cleaning the bathrooms to building relationships with teen's parents. Continue to cultivate an attitude of service and care. Come early... stay late... do SOMETHING and know your work is forwarding the Kingdom of God.
Go check out Adams website and podcast.
Comment below if you want to talk more. Adam's Website Adam's Podcast
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AuthorMy name is Andrew May. Archives
June 2017
CategoriesAdamDorband.com |