“You did what!?!?” – Anyone who participates in outdoor adventures has probably heard this phrase before. I know I’ve heard it from my parents, friends, and ministry partners quite a few times. This question used to be a big point of frustration for me, but now I’ve made it my goal to help understand the truth about the outdoors.
What we do feels like second nature to us, but most of our outdoor activities are perceived as dangerous to most people. Many people have a skewed view of the outdoor industry. They hear about the radical climbers who scale 2,000 ft. cliffs without ropes or the stories about hikers getting struck by lightning (like my friend did in Glacier National Park 2 years ago), falling off cliffs, or getting swept away by an avalanche. Even though these accidents are actually few and far between, these are the stories that tend to stick in people’s minds.
The Myth of Outdoor Adventure Risk
Would you believe me if I told you that participating in outdoor adventures isn’t really as dangerous as you might think? Let me refer you to a 20 year safety study that was conducted by Project Adventure (Furlong, Jillings, LaRhette, & Ryan, 1995).
This group looked at a number of different activities and the number of accidents that occurred over the course of a million hours of each activity:
Adventure activities: 4.33 per one million hours (including challenge course)
Real Estate, Insurance, and Finance Occupations: 4.5 accidents per million hours
Educational Services: 8 accidents per million hours
Amusement and Recreational Services: 19 accidents per million hours
Physical Education Classes: 9.6 accidents per million hours
I’m less likely to have an accident than a person who sells houses
Compared to Physical Education Classes, my line of work in outdoor adventure ministry is twice as safe. I’m less likely to have an accident than a person who sells houses, safer than a number cruncher, and even safer than the person who insures my outdoor ministry!
Perceived Risk versus Actual Risk
The difference between the outdoor enthusiast and the city slicker is that the outdoor enthusiast (if properly trained) knows the difference between Perceived Risk, and Actual Risk. Let me give you an example:
Imagine that an untrained person and myself are both standing on the top of a 100 ft. rock cliff attached to a rope, preparing to rappel down. As the untrained person walks closer to the edge he stops with his toes hanging over the edge, his eyes get wide, and his heart jumps into his throat with fear. His Perceived Risk is that he is going to fall to his death… or at best, break every bone and be in a body cast for the rest of his life.
When I walk to the edge until my toes are hanging over the edge, my heart rate barely rises. I’m enjoying the beauty of my surroundings and the thrill of being safe while I defy gravity thanks to my rope. I know the Actual Risk of what we’re doing. I know that my rope can hold the weight of a Toyota Tundra (around 5,000 pounds.), and the anchor that I am attached to could probably hold 2 of them.
Don’t Let Fear Rule Your Life
If you’re a person that’s interested in the great outdoors, but maybe you’ve been letting your fear get the better of you, know that there is a difference between Perceived Risk and Actual Risk. Next time you see someone doing something that seems crazy to you, take a moment and ask yourself, “Should I try that?” You might be surprised by your own answer. There’s a whole world out there begging to be explored. Don’t let your fears get in the way of what God has in store for you.
I was never one of those people you would find lying on the beach, cuddled up by a fireplace, or sitting in a coffee shop, enjoying a good book. The library was not a place to find a good read, but a place for me to find DVDs and magazines. Despite the fact that I’ve grown up around book lovers my entire life, I loathed reading. Other than the books I was forced to read in school, I can count the number of books I’ve read on 2 hands. But to my surprise (and to those who knew me growing up) I have found a love and a passion for reading! I could now spend hours in the library or used book stores, and going out with my husband to read sounds like a perfect date.
This year I read over 7,000 pages in the Directed Readings in Discipleship Course, reading books on many different topics, such as the character of God, worldview, and church history. My life was impacted in greater ways than I ever imagined, and has produced in me a strong desire to learn. Let me share with you why I think every believer should practice the discipline of reading.
It Will Enrich Your Personal Relationship With God
Reading different perspectives from many different authors has caused me to think more deeply about my beliefs. I came across opinions I agreed with, some that I disagreed with, and some that I wasn’t sure if I agreed with or not, which lead me to seek God for answers. This doesn’t mean that I have formed opinions on everything and have found all of the answers, but it has forced me to trust God and rely on him for wisdom.
Reading will quickly remind you of how much you desperately need God!
Reading will also enhance your relationship with God because you will find many areas in your life that you can improve on. Whether you are a new believer or you have been following Christ for years, you will always find areas of your life that need to be surrendered to Jesus. Reading on a regular basis is an extremely humbling experience if you focus on applying truth to your life. Reading is very beneficial because of the knowledge you will gain, but all of this is useless if you do not apply the truth to your own life. If you find yourself becoming stagnant or complacent in your walk with God, reading will quickly remind you of how much you desperately need God!
It Will Equip You to Disciple Others
The discipline of reading is an essential tool for becoming an effective discipler. For many years I have had a heart to disciple others, but I lacked the proper skills to do so. Unfortunately, due to my lack of study, I have made mistakes in discipling others. I did not know what I was doing, even though my intentions were good. Learning more about God’s character, my own identity, and my relationships with others has better equipped me to disciple others. I now feel more confident in my ability to disciple, which has led to a greater passion within me to see God’s truth change the lives of others.
It Will Give You a Heart for the Lost
Sharing the truth with those who do not believe in Jesus has always been a scary task for me because I lacked the confidence to share my beliefs. My fear of not having all of the right answers, or not having any answers at all, stopped me from sharing the gospel to a world that is full of questions. Through reading, I have been convicted of my responsibility to spread the gospel. I am no longer satisfied with simply saying “I do not know”, and then letting others do the hard work. All believers are called to share the good news of Christ, which means we must cultivate our minds to be able to effectively share the truth with our world.
So Pick Up a Book!
As my mind grows, it may make possible the growth of others
“We do not develop our intellects merely for our own personal advancement, but we put our thinking to work for the use of others… As my mind grows, it may make possible the growth of others.” Gordon MacDonald
I have learned that having a regular discipline of reading will create a deep hunger within you to learn. We do not read so that we can be puffed up with knowledge. We read to be able to share this knowledge with others, which will lead to seeing lives changed as they experience the truth of Jesus impact their lives.
I remember when I did my Discipleship Training School with YWAM. I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t have any friends who had done it, or anyone to really ask questions about the program. All I knew was that I needed to “Go”. I wasn’t really sure what that meant either, funny as that is. But I had this longing in my heart to both “do something for God”, as well as a desire to get away from home in some capacity. Maybe it was a longing for adventure, or just a need to satisfy my restlessness. Anyway, whatever it was, it was enough to get me moving.
I think God will use whatever He can to help us follow His will for our lives. In my case, I didn’t even really know what I wanted. But God still used the opportunity to bring me to a place where He could reveal Himself to me in a life-changing way. In fact, looking back I would say that DTS was one of the most impacting times in my life. I could even clearly define for you the difference between who I was before DTS, and who I am now after God did so much in my heart through my DTS experience.
That was many years ago. And now, after so many years, I am still amazed by DTS. I have spent the last 9 years of my life working in DTS in different capacities. During those years, I have watched hundreds of students come to DTS. All of them from different backgrounds, even different countries, and many for different reasons as well. But one thing is for sure, they all left changed. I mean transformed, really. Like, they met with the living God, and He did major work in their hearts, and they left having a better understanding of who God really is, who they are in His eyes, and what is their place in the world.
So this finally leads me to the question that I’ve been asking myself about DTS. Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing.
What’s the big deal?
What makes DTS so effective?
Well, here goes…
Leaving Home
One thing that makes doing a Discipleship Training School so effective, and fairly unique, is the fact that every student has to leave home. In fact, some of the students travel from other countries around the world to come do a DTS here at YWAM Montana. This is actually one of my favorite parts about DTS. There is something challenging, and yet freeing, about leaving home, school, job, even friends and family, to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
It makes me think about Abraham. In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham out of a great city at the time, Ur. God then tells Abraham to go where He leads him, and promises that He will lead him to a land that will be his own, and he will be blessed. So what does Abraham do? He goes. He doesn’t even know where! He just goes, and along the way God reveals Himself more and more to Abraham. It took a great level of trust for Abraham to leave everything he knew; everyone he knew, and go where God led him. But the payoff was amazing. A life and legacy of fulfilled promises.
DTS is not about escaping. It’s about re-creating.
So that is the blessing that awaits every DTS student. The opportunity to leave an old life behind. Old habits. Even old friends. You know those people in our lives that keep reminding us of who we don’t want to be, and whenever we try to be the person God called us to be, they somehow drag us back to our old ways? Sometimes, we just need a clean break from those relationships. But DTS is not about escaping. It’s about re-creating. In DTS, you have the wonderful opportunity to discover who Jesus made you to be, and actually become that person. Actually be that person. That New Identity.
Thinking about getting involved in missions? Learn more about a YWAM Discipleship Training School!
A Discipleship Training School is a 5 1/2 month intensive missions and discipleship course. The journey begins in Lakeside, Montana where students get to learn and grow in the Lord followed by traveling to an outreach location to make God known in the nations.
Another great aspect of DTS, is that you are surrounded by other students who are in the same boat. They also are leaving an old life behind, and stepping into a new life. They also are discovering how good and faithful God really is. How loving He really is. Together we get to experience the living God, and let Him shape the way we think.
Working with a team of people is a great experience. When we come together with a common focus, we are able to accomplish great things. Not only that but it also helps us to grow in the Lord. The world is so full of distractions, right? How many times have you made the decision to pursue a deeper relationship with God, only to have your focus shift because the people in our lives have a totally different focus from our own? We are easy influenced. Admit it.
This is why it’s so important to surround ourselves with people with a common focus. When we are pursuing God together, we stay on track. When one of us wanders off a little, the positive influence of our godly friends helps steer us back on course. This is not something that all Christians have. At least, not at the depth that we may be longing for. Have you ever thought, “There must be more”? Me too. Welcome :)
Community Momentum
There is one more thing that I’d like to point out as a major strength in DTS. It’s similar to having a common focus. Really, I think it’s the fruit of having a common focus.
I’m not much of a sports guy. Watching sports on TV just isn’t very exciting to me. But every once in a while, I will go with friends and family to a baseball game. Something happens when I’m there. As the stadium gathers together to root for their favorite team, I can’t help but find myself also getting really excited. I find myself cheering for the team; joining in the excitement. I even get emotional. It’s weird. But it’s kind of refreshing too.
It’s so good to care about something.
It makes me feel alive.
During DTS, we see a lot of cool stuff happen in people’s lives. I mean, we see people who are struggling with depression get set free and become full of joy. We see people who are overcome with shame about their past, then come to experience the forgiveness and grace of God, and begin walking in confidence that they are made righteous through Jesus’ work on the cross. We see people with no hope or sense of purpose for their future discover their identity and call from God, and become full of passion and excitement for what God is doing in the world, and anticipating their own role in God’s mission.
We see people come alive.
I never get tired of seeing the effects of the Gospel take place in people’s lives
This creates an amazing environment where students are celebrating the life-change in their new friends, and looking forward to God working in their own hearts as well. This creates a sort of momentum. Once that ball starts rolling you can’t stop it. I never get tired of seeing the effects of the Gospel take place in people’s lives. Some of those changes actually seem to take place overnight.
What’s really amazing is that passion and faith continue on as the students go into the second phase of DTS: Outreach. Those same students that just experienced the transformational power of the Gospel in their own lives, then go to other countries and tell people about the living God that loves the world so much that He would send Jesus so that they also can experience new life in Him. They get to tell people who have never even heard of Jesus before. Those people are often trapped in fear and shame through the world religions that promise relief but fail to deliver. But upon learning of their Savior Jesus, they become believers and also experience God’s goodness, faithfulness, and the transformational power of the Gospel in their own lives. DTS students who get to witness this are excited and empowered all the more to continue living a radical life for Jesus, experiencing His love, and continuing to share it even as they return home after DTS. The momentum continues!
Come Join Us!
The truth be told, there are many more reasons that DTS is so effective. But the final thing I would say is that I am humbled that God would choose to use us; YWAM. We are not that special. Definitely not better than local church. But God simply chooses to work through our programs and mission. I’ve seen it over and over again. I never get tired of it.
So, if you are looking for more, wanting to go deeper, feeling a pull to missions, or even feeling restless at home, come join us.
Thinking about getting involved in missions? Learn more about a YWAM Discipleship Training School!
A Discipleship Training School is a 5 1/2 month intensive missions and discipleship course. The journey begins in Lakeside, Montana where students get to learn and grow in the Lord followed by traveling to an outreach location to make God known in the nations.
A few weeks ago, I finished the last of two biblical training courses that I took this spring at YWAM Montana Lakeside. The first course was the Old Testament Studies Seminar, and the second was the Church History Seminar. Both of these courses were absolutely fantastic, and I learned a lot about God, his Word, and myself. I want to share a bit of my journey with you. These are just a few of the practical fruits of spending an entire season studying theology.
A Voice in the Chorus
For years I struggled with not knowing what to do with my voice. Sometimes I wouldn’t speak at all (literally) or I would speak too loudly (not literally, but by believing my opinion mattered the most). These courses showed me a new way to understand the impact of my voice, and where it fits in the context of the body of Christ.
The Old Testament and church history are both filled with dynamic and vibrant characters, whose voices echo through the centuries to us and inspire us in our faith. When you first approach these subjects, you can begin to feel overwhelmed. You might ask yourself, “how could I ever add anything to what’s already been said by the heroes of our faith? People like Moses, Isaiah, Ignatius, and Augustines. Where do I fit in?” The question I struggled with was, “what value does my voice have in relation to those who laid the groundwork for what I believe? Who am I to raise my voice?”
The voices in the chorus are just as important as the one singing the solo.
After studying the Old Testament and church history in more detail and spending time with these influential characters, I realized that for every huge, timeless voice in our history, there are hundreds of ordinary people that God used alongside the giants to accomplish His will. For all the dominant voices that came out of the church councils, the councils themselves were made up of bishops whose names time has forgotten, but their votes counted the same as anyone else’s. These people shared in being guided by the same Spirit as those whom we remember. Their voice isn’t heard up front, but it can be clearly heard in the background chorus of the body of Christ. It’s here that I found meaning for my studies. Sometimes we approach the study of history or theology as a means to increase our own voice on a specific subject. This was the main source of value that I saw in studying theology. Now I see that the voices in the chorus are just as important as the one singing the solo. If my contribution to the church is being a backing voice, then I can happily rest in obscurity.
A Man of Little Understanding
Something that kept coming up over and over in my work was how very little humanity actually knows about anything. I mistakenly thought that if I studied enough I would reach the point where I would know ‘sufficiently’ enough to be called an expert. I’ve begun to realize that this is an error, because of the endless nature of God’s character, and the infinitely surprising ways that he chooses to act in our lives and in the universe. Compared to who God is, our digging to understand Him has yet to scratch the surface. We haven’t even approached the surface. This isn’t to say that the effort isn’t worth it, because it absolutely is. In order to be effective in our studies, it’s worth remembering just how infinite God is. We need to be humbled by his character to the point where we are dumbfounded by just how incredible God is. This will drive us to want to know Him more, which will make our studies more rich and vibrant. Scholastics isn’t a dry field as long as we go outside every now and then to experience the glory of God raining down on us from every direction.
I know almost nothing, but God has called me to try and learn
Over and over and over again I came to the realization that humanity, in general, is pretty stupid. I don’t say this to mock God’s creation or to insinuate that humanity is incapable of getting it right every now and then… but we screw things up a lot. There is pretty much no conceivable thing or scenario that humanity hasn’t screwed up at some point in history. Think about that! We even screw up while doing things that should be easy. For example, this spring I walked into a tree, and managed to pour coffee down my own back. If I can drop the ball while doing something as simple as walking, it’s not surprising to see people make a mess of theology throughout history. Sometimes it’s shocking to realize how thoroughly we screw things up, but it really shouldn’t be that surprising. This should humble us and make us thankful for God and his grace, and how he will never abandon us despite how vigorously we sometimes toss him aside. I know almost nothing, but God has called me to try and learn. Despite how often I screw up, God continues to guide me onward toward the prize.
For the Love of the Church
This information I’ve acquired isn’t just for my own knowledge and pride.
One of the biggest takeaways for me from this time of study, was realizing that all of this information I’ve acquired isn’t just for my own knowledge and pride. It should be used to build up the church. I may not be able to speak directly to people about the specifics of what I’ve learned. Much of it would be boring or hard to understand without context. However, I can use the examples of the people from throughout the Old Testament and church history who lived their lives for God. Those who did what it took to bring his truth into the world, those who fought to be able to live the gospel. These are the ideas I can take back to my church, to encourage the body to press onward into God, to press into what he has called them to do.
I’m supposed to love the church in the same ways that the heroes of our faith loved God and his people. I’m able to lay down my personal thoughts and theology for the benefit of the church: to strive for unity. When necessary, standing up to challenge and correct false teaching. Loving the church doesn’t mean stepping aside and letting it be overrun by false teaching. It does, however, mean being a good steward with the knowledge I have been entrusted with. I need to use discretion to know when it’s time to teach, and when it’s time to listen. To again join the chorus of the body, loving God together, united in laying down our lives for Him and for the body. We are called to be imitators of Christ who laid down his life for his friends.
One of the things that I really appreciate about God is his joy, and that he gives it in all circumstances. I think the joy of a Christian can be a very attractive thing to the world. People are caught off guard when they see a person full of joy in the midst of a very hard season. “How can this person be so happy when they are going through such difficult times?” The answer is easy: God is good, all the time.
God is so much bigger than our current circumstances
In a world which is full of negativity, anger, and depression, seeing someone who is truly joyful is a breath of fresh air. It’s a powerful thing. Joy has the power to turn sorrow into laughter, although it doesn’t mean the hard times go away. Rather, it means that God is so much bigger than our current circumstances. This realization can express itself in joy. This powerful joy only comes from the Lord, and we all have access to it. Somedays joy comes easier than other days, but that doesn’t change the fact that God is still the source of this joy.
I don’t necessarily think of myself as a joyful person, but people often describe me that way. I’m usually taken aback by this because I know my life and the thoughts that are in my head. I do know that I really love to laugh, and have fun, but until recently I never really thought of it as joy.
Recently someone told me that they believe I am a person who chooses joy, even though I don’t have to. I have been thinking about this comment, and have concluded that it’s probably true, I do choose joy. That doesn’t mean that I never experience other more negative emotions (just ask my close friends and they will tell you that I can be a “Debbie downer” when life gets hard). I don’t think God wants us to be “Debbie downers”. I think he wants us to choose joy and experience his joy in both good and bad circumstances. We can all experience God’s joy and, most of the time we actually need to make an active choice to be joyful no matter what is going on around us.
Everyone should discover their own ways of choosing joy, but here are some of the practical ways that work for me.
1. Make a list:
I take pauses throughout my day to make a list (mentally or physically) of all of the things I am thankful to God for in my life. The top three usually don’t change, but the rest can vary in order. Here are my first three:
Jesus – He took my sin, allowing me to have an active relationship with God. Sin was the biggest problem in my life and God took care of it. Family & Friends – God gave me some amazing people to live life with, which is pretty awesome. God’s Provision – I am always amazed at the fact that I can pay for my rent, bills, and gas despite having a job that I volunteer for.
2. Taking a moment to enjoy the little things:
My “little things” change daily, but I always try my best to really enjoy them throughout the day. Here are a few of mine: • The smell of Montana in the spring and summer. I can’t describe it, you just need to come experience it • A fresh cup of coffee… mmmmmmm • The smell right after a fresh rain • Thunderstorms • Kids laughing • Humming birds: I love to stop and watch those things, they are pretty incredible • Full moon rising • Stars
3. Sit and think about the promises of God:
Take some quiet time or make a list to think about throughout the day, there are SO many promises that God makes to his people. Pick a book of the Bible, start reading, and sooner or later you’ll come across a promise from God. The cool thing about God’s promises is that he actually fulfills them. They are not empty and they aren’t just words. They’re promises from a loving God who wants to be in relationship with his creations: us. God is the only one to be trusted with making promises and keeping them. They come in his timing, but they will always come.
4. Laugh anytime you can:
The only thing I could do in that moment was laugh
Laugh at life, yourself, and with others (not at them). They say laughter is the best medicine; I don’t know who “they” are, but I tend to agree with “them” because, seriously… life is funny, humans are funny, we do weird things, say weird things, and we have really funny things happen to us. For example, my group of friends and I love to scare each other There is nothing better than the victory of jumping out from behind something or sneaking up on someone and scaring them. The best is the reaction of the person who got scared. I’ve witnessed many high pitched girly screams, and usually that’s from the guys. There was even a moment when I was the victim of being scared by one of my very good friends, not only did I scream bloody murder but I fell completely backward and landed flat on my butt. The only thing I could do in that moment was laugh, and laugh I did throughout the rest of the day every time I thought about it.
5. Dance:
Yes, dance: dance when your favorite song comes on, dance in the car, dance while you clean, dance while you cook or do the dishes, dance by yourself or with people, just DANCE! Dancing immediately makes me happy, it doesn’t matter if I am with people or by myself. Dancing, in my opinion, is an expression of freedom and joy. So, dance. Dance like you have never danced before. When you are having a bad day, blast some Michael Jackson, and dance. When you are having a good day, do the same. If you don’t like dancing, I don’t care, try it. If you love dancing, do it some more!
Choose Joy
Our joy is a gift and witness to the world
There are probably many more things that I could add to the list. Those ones are the top five things that I find myself doing on a regular basis. They don’t always happen in this order, but each one of them helps me be more joyful. We have so much to be joyful for, God has done too much for us to be miserable. God promises to meet us in those hard times and help us. Our joy is a gift and witness to the world: it shows people that God is bigger than a hard circumstance, and that our God is a God who meets His people and gives them joy. Joy is attractive, contagious, and refreshing. Choose joy. God gives his joy freely for us to experience.
Our dance company recently returned from a tour across the southern United States. While in the South we quickly realized that self-expression isn’t as prevalent in southern churches and Christian communities as some of the other places that we’ve traveled. However, we knew that dance was on God’s heart, so we obediently stepped out. We reminded ourselves that it’s not about us. We dance to see Jesus glorified and to see people encounter His love. Our hearts were longing to release God-given expression to people around us and so we did.
As I danced I felt a prayer erupting from inside of me
One sunny, hot day in Atlanta, GA we found ourselves in a park talking to a couple who were singing their way around the USA. Their music was beautiful and they filled the park with soul-filled expression. When they heard that we were a touring dance company they asked us to dance for them. They began playing and I began to dance, and as I danced I felt a prayer erupting from inside of me. A prayer of hope, beauty, and restoration. An expression of the father’s heart released through dance. A crowd started to gather, and the company performed one our group pieces. As we finished the choreography and started talking to people I noticed a young lady who had been watching us from the fringes of the crowd. Her name was Angel. She explained that she had been planning to leave but, “It was like I couldn’t get in the car, like my feet were walking over here and I couldn’t control them”. We prayed for her and gave her some encouraging words. With tears in her eyes she thanked us and said that one day she hoped she could do what we did. She felt so loved and accepted for who she was. She encountered the love of Jesus.
So why do I dance? This is why I dance, this is why I travel the country for hours upon hours in a van, because of people like Angel. It’s worth it! Bringing an encounter that could change a life, stepping out in obedience even when it’s unplanned or seemingly random. Jesus is purposeful, and as we trust Him and walk in obedience He reaches into lives and changes them forever.
“Ministry is overrated” That’s rather a provocative statement. I apologize if I’ve just made you spit out your coffee in surprise at those words. I’ll give you a moment to wipe your screen down. Let me explain.
This time last year I was a youth pastor in London, working with young people from a variety of backgrounds. I was using my hard earned degree in theology and youth ministry to share the Gospel every day with young people and disciple them as a full time minister.
I thought I had a perfect understanding of what “ministry” really is.
Fast forward to present day. I am now working in the kitchen at YWAM Montana Lakeside. I spend my days preparing and serving lunch and dinner to many hungry missionaries. The work is in no way related to my previous experience in ministry or my theological training and yet, I’ve never been happier or more content.
I know, it sounds crazy right? And you would be joining many of my friends and family from back home by thinking that I am a bit nuts for walking away from a career, a home, and everything else just to chop some carrots and wash some dishes.
Thankfully, there is so much more to the picture. I get to bless people everyday with delicious food and I’m blessed when I hear them laugh and converse in the cafeteria as friendships are made and dreams are shared. Jesus has shown me something that has well and truly blown my mind.
You don’t have to be doing “ministry” to minister
Did you know that you can do ministry in any situation you find yourself in?
We make the mistake of thinking that leading children’s church on Sunday mornings is ministry but helping a neighbor out with childcare is not.
Or maybe we think that it’s only “ministry” when we preach to the congregation but not when we are at the office spending time with co-workers. Or perhaps it’s “ministry” when you are part of an evangelism team on the streets but not when you are walking amongst the same lost people in the grocery store.
I was certainly guilty of that mindset. In London, my weekend was very precious to me and I guarded my off-time with utmost care. When I first came to Montana I was putting myself under extreme pressure to “really minister” whenever I had the chance. I would approach every conversation with a member of the public with an agenda. I wanted to tell them about Jesus, at the very least pray for them, and preferably throw in some cool words from the Lord. Tears were a bonus.
Things started to change as Jesus helped me see that serving in the kitchen is ministry. I don’t need to burn myself out to please Him or validate myself as a “real Christian”.
These thoughts solidified as I spent time reading The Master Plan of Evangelism by Dr Robert Coleman. This book put words to the thoughts that God had been stirring in my heart. Which were “The multitudes cannot know the Gospel unless they have a living witness. Merely giving them an explanation will not suffice. The wandering masses of the world must have a demonstration of what to believe they must have a mentor that will stand among them and say ‘follow me I know the way’”.
Ministry in everyday life
I’m so grateful for the example Jesus sets for us in the gospels
I love the examples of ministry we see demonstrated by Jesus in the gospels. Sometimes Jesus would preach to huge crowds of people, but many times we see him eating dinner with acquaintances or conversing one-on-one with people he happened to meet. He spent three years of his life living with his disciples sharing absolutely everything with them… and then he washed their feet! I’m so grateful for the example Jesus sets for us in the gospels. It’s one of total immersion by living life as ministry. It would’ve been a different story for the many people who Jesus healed on the Sabbath if He turned to them and said “sorry I can’t heal you today, it’s my day off”.
Friends, I want to encourage you that whatever you find yourself doing is ministry if you do it for Him. You can point people to The Lord wherever you are and whatever you do. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, it can be simply living out your love for Jesus in the environment you happen to be in with the people you happen to be with.
The traditional concept of ministry is overrated! Ministry isn’t just something pastors and evangelists do, it’s a lifestyle. It’s living life with Jesus every day in every situation.
I want to invite you to come to join us at YWAM Montana Lakeside.
Here at YWAM Montana Lakeside we are called to make Christian disciples, to evangelize the lost and to mobilize the church to action by challenging and giving opportunity to children, teens and adults for strategic short and long-term missions worldwide.
We’re looking for volunteers to join us in our mission to know God and make him known, together! You can learn more and see our open positions by checking out our Staff Needs page. www.ywammontana.org/staffing-needs
I recently turned 30, which I didn’t think would ever happen. I started my adult life bungee jumping and tour guiding. I never made life plans beyond 30 because I honestly didn’t think I’d get here. I also never thought that 30 was that old, until last week when I made a reference to Yogi Bear and a 20-something student I was working with said “Huh?” The more I explained, the less comprehension I got.
So before I get too far removed from my 20’s, here are five lessons I’ve learned from leading 20-somethings for the past 10 years (and being one myself not that long ago).
1. Invite:
20-Somethings want to be invited to be part of the grander scheme. They want to know that you want them there. Invite the 20’s you’re surrounded by into your life – show them what it’s really like to just be you, at home on a Saturday, out on a ministry trip, and in those meetings you go to so frequently. Invite into Community too. Call the 20-somethings to join you and your partners – make them part of the team.
2. Stick to Your Commitments:
You made a commitment to do something, to show up at a certain time, to be available, to communicate when things are going good, and when they’re going bad. Guess what? It’s incredibly important to 20-somethings that you stick to your Commitment. Show up. Be vulnerable. Have an open door. Do whatever it was you said you’d do.
Hold the 20-somethings you work with to the commitments they made too. They might not love it at the time – they might want to move on to that ‘next great and exciting adventure.’ Trust me, as you hold them to their commitments, and are faithful to yours, they will respect you all the more.
3. Work Alongside Them:
Nothing can replace the dirt under your nails, the joy on your face, or the frustration in your voice. These things are the hallmarks of genuine reality. Work alongside 20-somethings – be there with them in everything you’re leading them through. When you have to make the tough calls, they’ll be there to observe and learn.
4. Character is Important:
Your character matters, but you already knew that. Did you know that your character might be the difference between inspiring sulking submission or fanatical following or that your character might be the tipping point between giving up or pushing on when things get hard? People are willing to follow good character.
The character of the people you’re leading matters too. They’ve read books talking about how they need to show up, step up and grow up. 20-somethings are trying hard to develop their character. Help them out – Tell them what you see specifically. Call out the good.
5. Believe:
This generation of 20-somethings might be the most incredible generation of 20-somethings there has ever been. They have more opportunities, more resources, and more potential. Believe in the 20-somethings you lead. Believe that their potential is only just beginning to be tapped. Believe in them to do the impossible. Believe in them to change the world.
They struggle with doubt, and fear of failure, and insecurity. God’s plans, God’s goodness, and God’s sovereignty are bigger than any doubt, failure, or insecurity – So believe in God’s call on their lives. When 20-somethings passionately tell you how they’re going to change the world – Celebrate with them and propel them forward. Believe in what God wants to do through the 20-somethings he’s entrusted to your leadership.
I want to invite you to come to join us at YWAM Montana Lakeside.
If you’re in your 20’s – Come be a part of what God is doing here in training, discipling and sending people to Taiwan, Nepal, Ukraine, India, Thailand and Cambodia. I invite you to come and be trained yourself.
If you’re out of your 20’s – Come be a part of what God is doing – bring your character, bring your ability to work alongside, make a commitment to see the nations reached, and believe in what God wants to do.
Here at YWAM Montana Lakeside we are called to make Christian disciples, to evangelize the lost and to mobilize the church to action by challenging and giving opportunity to children, teens and adults for strategic short and long-term missions worldwide.
We’re looking for volunteers to join us in our mission to know God and make him known, together! You can learn more and see our open positions by checking out our Staff Needs page. www.ywammontana.org/staffing-needs
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34
I come from a small town in the middle of Wisconsin. The land is flat, the air is dry and cold (or extremely humid and hot), and the most common response people give me when I tell them where I’m from is “oh, so, cheese.” My town is the definition of ‘ordinary’. I’ve spent a lot of years taking my town and its people for granted, because I thought God wasn’t doing anything there. After my Discipleship Training School and my School of Biblical Studies, I came home with a sense of pride, and I held my home in contempt (this was not the fault of the schools; I just missed the point). I was a hypocrite, saying with my mouth that God loved and acted for everyone in a global sense, but believing in my heart that he was absent from Wisconsin. Thankfully, God is graceful to break the hearts of man, and thankfully, he taught me what it means to value his people and his kingdom.
If God is with us every day, he is with us every place as well
This is where the passage from Matthew comes in. This isn’t just some good advice. Jesus is essentially commanding us “do not worry”. What value is it to not worry for tomorrow? It shows us that no matter where we are, God is present, watching and faithful to provide what we need as we need it. If I am somewhere ‘exotic’, say the Amazon jungle, God is there, working in me and through me in that day. If, three months later, I am staring at the corn fields of Midwest America, God is there, working in me and through me in that day. If God is with us every day, he is with us every place as well. Focusing on today makes it impossible to worry about where God might have us tomorrow. In this way the focus changes from God’s extraordinary action, to the extraordinary nature of God.
Is Our Calling Extraordinary?
Here’s an example. We often remember Abraham as someone who had an extraordinary relationship with God because of all the crazy things that happened in his life: the miracle of his calling, the promise and fulfillment of Isaac, the conversation about Sodom and Gomorrah, the covenants God made with him, and quite a lot more. These are all amazing events and valuable teachings that show that God does incredible things. Sometimes, we forget that in the background of all of these events, Abraham was called to live in a tent for the rest of his life. Hebrews 11 states that Abraham was able to do this because he was looking forward to a time when tents would be made obsolete by the city of God. Granted, he wasn’t distracted by the possibility of exploring jungles or touring a volcano or snowboarding or taking pictures of coffee on his phone and so many other things we deem ‘exciting’. But even if he had all those possibilities before him, I don’t think he would have cared, because he knew who God was and what he was called to do.
Ordinary isn’t Boring
This is how I understand the need to love the ordinary, or rather, what the world would refer to as ordinary. I don’t believe God sees the world as ordinary, and as his workers and friends, I don’t believe we are supposed to either. God and his kingdom are inherently extraordinary, and to say the things he has called us to are ‘boring’ or to crave another job or destination is to dismiss how he is moving in those places for his kingdom. I love adventure and seeing new things and experiencing different cultures, but I now see that adventure shouldn’t come at the cost of sacrificing what God is doing in the ‘ordinary’ places.
Content in our tents
Maybe God has called you out of missions back to your home or to someplace you had no desire to go. Maybe you’re the parent, sibling, or friend of someone currently in YWAM and you’re constantly hearing about their incredible adventures and you feel like your life is boring in comparison. Maybe you are a YWAMer about to head home for a while. Or maybe you’re just struggling with being called to something other than what you hoped and dreamed for your life. Understand that God is there, and he is doing the extraordinary even if you cant see it.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
God has brought me to a lot of different places, and shown me a lot of different things, for which I am forever grateful. But I am no longer envious of seeing the world, of being somewhere other than where God has called me in that time. Proverbs 14:30 says “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” For so long I was envious of the world. I wanted to experience different cultures and see new sights. But focusing on who God is and what he is doing right now in this moment has brought a newfound appreciation and ability to see what God is doing in my tiny town.
God has called me back to my tent many times over the last few years. Before it always felt like a burden. But now, I find it a joy because I see God there, and he is extraordinary enough for me.
