Subscribe to the Network4 Assumptions During the Busy Season
We’ve just finished the summer of what Kurt (Saddleback’s Student Ministries Pastor) has called “tree lot” season. The temporary but extremely busy season of ministry where you’ve got to get the trees out the door before Christmas arrives. And as that is coming to an end – we’re really gearing up for a Fall of the same: fast-paced, high-expectation ministry. In essence, we just got another shipment of trees to last us until Christmas and it is time to go at it again.
Here’s 4 assumptions I asked our teams to make during the next 4 months of ministry:
1) Assume the God is going to work during your work hours.
Too often we concentrate on the “work hours” part of the busy season. We talk too much about staying late and the frustrations of bumping shoulders with the same people and their quirks. It is too easy to forget that God is going to use us. That each conversation, each time we connect with a volunteer, each line of the infinitely-long spreadsheet is part of us contributing to what God is doing. Yes, we have to work hard. Yes, maybe we should expect to work late. But God is up to something – His Spirit is at work in our work.2) Assume that person needs help with their project.
This is the team-mindset that we all need to have when the pace increases. Just assume that someone needs help – that they could use an extra hand. Not that they aren’t capable but recognizing that work is a lot more fun in pairs than alone. Clear your plate and pitch in – they’ll do the same when you need it, too.3) Assume the next person you see needs encouragement.
If I’m honest, I would say that our culture is thirsty for this. I would say that our humor-heavy, dry sense of sarcasm is welcome and even a form of encouragement, but there’s nothing wrong with a “good job” or lifting up someone’s arm after a long fight. Assume they haven’t been thanked or celebrated in a while.4) Assume that you are the right person to do your job.
This is where you trust the leadership of the church and God’s Spirit at work. God has called you to work with high school and junior high school students. God didn’t mistakenly put you in the position you hold – He created it for you in this moment. In the busyness of the now-extended tree lot season, let’s not forget our shared passion for our students and this thing we call youth ministry.
JG
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