It’s Wednesday night and you’re attempting to lead your small group. As you look around, two small groups are deep in prayer and one is passing out tissues because Sally is pouring her heart out. You’re startled back to reality by a flash across your field of vision as Billy catapults himself off the top of a nearby couch and drops a well placed elbow into Johnny’s lower back. Yes, this is your small group. While the groups around you are engaging in community and discipleship, your group is engaged in a WWE cage match…again, just like they do every week. And you ask yourself, “Why am I even here?”
This week, I’m blogging about and for student ministry volunteers. Here’s yesterday’s post, if you’re interested.
Sometimes, actually many times, it doesn’t feel like we are getting anywhere with students. In these moments it’s important to remember what we’re called to do and what we’re not called to do. In these moments, a little gardening tip can keep us sane.
SEEDS AND WATERING CANS
As we think about leading students this year, there is a principle found in 1 Corinthians that has kept me sane in many difficult moments in student ministry. Check it out:
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)
Paul is describing the growth of the Christians in Corinth. He was the one who planted the seeds. He preached the Gospel to the people in Corinth. For most, he was the person who introduced them to Jesus. Then, Apollos came and taught them more about what it looks like to follow Jesus. They grew and became more established under Apollos’ teaching. And yet, Paul acknowledges that while they both had critical roles, God is the one who made the people grow. Paul and Apollos were simply being faithful to their calling.
OUR ROLE AND GOD’S ROLE
As much as we try in student ministry, we cannot cause growth. Only God can do that. We can only be faithful with the roles that God has given us. I love this. There is freedom and clarity here. I can build relationships. I can pursue students. I can speak truth and I can love students well. But, I cannot produce the results. I cannot make a student grow. That’s God’s role.
So this year, be a great small group leader. Mentor your students. Love them well and show them how to follow Jesus. As you do these things, remember that it’s God’s role to make them grow. Plant seeds like crazy and go nuts with the watering can. Do your very best to love students and draw them into what Jesus is doing in and around us. But, at the end of the day, breath a sigh of relief because, ultimately, it’s God’s role to make students grow. All you can do is be faithful.
