small steps

small steps

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Ten.


Ten years ago today I began my journey in full time student ministry. I graduated from college on a Saturday, celebrated Mother's Day with my mom & grandmothers on Sunday and on Monday I began life as a youth director. I have never looked back.

These ten years have looked much different than 21-year-old, Steph envisioned and dreamed--but I would not trade them for anything. Every student, 42 weeks of mission trips and weeks at camp, every budget meeting, every sleepless night spent worrying, all add up to such a tremendous gift.

Two years of full time ministry in Hillsdale, Michigan, two years in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and now six years in Indianapolis, Indiana have brought hundreds of students into my life that have truly changed my heart by their love and their willingness to let me witness their walk with Jesus.

There has been sacrifice, tears, heartbreak and pain along the way but God has remained so faithful. He has never wavered in all of the ways He reminds me of His perfect timing, protection and love. After these first 10 years, here is my list of lessons that stand out the most. If you're reading this blog you have been apart of this journey with me...thank you!

In no particular order...

-The greatest ministry tool to a student ministry is a group of loving and selfless adult volunteers who love Jesus. The dozens of adult leaders I have had the chance to work with over these 10 years are my true heroes. Ya'll truly are the student ministry glue.

-Working as a ministry team is truly better than being on your own. Joe Garrison taught me this and I'll forever be thankful that God orchestrated such a lesson.

-Teenagers have the most beautiful spirits. Over the past 10 years, again and again, I am in awe of the ways that teenagers teach me so much about beauty, selflessness and love. Our culture has it pegged wrong. It has been a gift to be on the receiving end of such goodness.

-I have no regrets in the hours I have spent in baseball bleachers, soccer fields, orchestra concerts, cross country meets, etc.--partnering with families and witnessing teens shine their lights outside of the local church are some of the sweetest memories I'll carry with me always.

-Finding time to sabbath is a must.

-Obedience is hard but worth it. I know this will be an on-going life lesson--but wow...what a testimony of God's grace through my meager efforts to be obedient to Him. I am thankful for His protection every step of the way.

-The best youth directors are parents. The longer I am exposed to full time ministry the more I am passionate about equipping families to lead their kids spiritually. It's been an honor to witness teens and their parents grow in their relationships with Jesus together...I will never grow tired of this.

-No matter how many times I try, I never order the right amount of pizza. It's always either not quite enough or way too much...and yes, I've used the pizza calculator app.

-Forgiveness is so important.

-Extra sticks of deodorant on mission trips is always worth the money.

-Surround a ministry with leaders who love you & hold you accountable. I have been richly blessed to work with some rock star senior pastors as well other church leaders and friends who have been incredible teachers and mentors.

-Ministry is so much sweeter without ego.

-It is okay to fail. I have had some crazy ministry fails over the past 10 years...tie dying t-shirts with bleach, messy games with cottage cheese, a fundraiser no one attended, weekly pool-parties...it is okay to fail. The important thing is to own it, learn from it & start again.

-Every student's story matters.

-I cannot be everything to everyone.
I saved this one for last. When I knew God was calling me into student ministry my prayer was, "Lord, help me to be a leader that never makes it about me...it's about you." As I have prayed that prayer over and over again, I have also had to learn that I cannot make everyone happy with every decision. I cannot physically be everywhere for every student all the time. My job as a leader is to help equip others to come along side me to help reach as many students in the name of Jesus as possible. It is okay if someone does not like me as long as I have done all I can to make sure there is someone near that student who can be the love of Christ to them. All I can do is try to love everyone the best I can as Jesus calls us to love one another...and when I fail...to get right back up and try again.

What a beautiful 10 years. Thank you, God.