Subscribe to the NetworkLearning Servanthood by Cleaning Rain Gutters
Today’s huge storm reminded me of the very first time I really understood servanthood in youth ministry.
Oh, I’d heard it taught a lot, and even seen it modeled in a few key figures in my life (growing up, my dad; in college, the Dean of Men and the Head Football Coach) – I even knew well the stories of Jesus and the calling for Christ-followers to be servants, too. But this was when I was truly shocked by serving.
It was pouring outside, our church parking lot looked like Lake Michigan. I’ve never seen it rain like that, and it wasn’t letting up. In fact, the storm was just getting started and our old church building was starting to feel it. The storm drains along the roofline were bursting with water, clogged with leaves, sticks and random debris from years of neglect. My pastor said, “put on your coat” and when a senior pastor speaks, good youth workers listen (in all fairness, we sometimes still do our own thing, but in fairness, we at least listen). We grabbed ladders, climbed up and pulled out fistfulls of rain gutter gunk for a half hour until the church was free from its aquatic bondage. We made it back inside, now soaking wet and put everything away like we found it. Then we went back to work – nothing more was said, and it didn’t have to be.
He had said it all.
Serving is the key. Big church, small church, rookie, veteran, influential, relative unknown – it doesn’t matter. All of us are called to be servants. I learned it that day and the lesson was burned into my psyche forever.
So here I am just a few minutes ago, now some 13 years later, walking back from dropping my kids off at small group here at the church. The whole place is flooded out and the parking lot looks like the Pacific ocean, complete with waves. One spot is particularly rough and I realize it is because a bunch of trash has been swept into the drain, blocking it from working correctly. So in an attempt to free the drain, I’m standing ankle deep in water and pulling fistfulls of junk out. Instant flashback.
Now, this happens to be a story of when I actually did something right. I could regale you with plenty of other tales where I looked away, pretended not to notice and skipped out on serving. In my heart, and I think in yours too, I want to be a youth pastor that understands and lives out this concept of servanthood.
To go the extra mile. To show unusual attention, make intense eye contact. To lend a hand and to stay longer than you are required. And maybe … even clean out the rain gutters.
JG
Love this!