Jesus' Example of Discipleship
We just came off of our 3rd Year Intern Advance and will be leaving on Thursday for our 2nd Year Advance… in between we’re doing a huge outreach tomorrow night. It’s during these times, as I stand at the front of the room looking at all the amazing diverse faces starring back at me, I’m reminded of who is in my midst... particularly the Stephens and the Drews. Allow me to share their story...
Stephen faithfully sat in the third row every week. He never talked during the service, and he never caused a scene. Stephen played on the football team, but he didn’t start. He epitomized stability and every week, I knew I’d see him sitting among the crowd of teenagers unnoticed, unassuming, and quite frankly uninteresting. The moment I caught sight of his face, I immediately scanned the surrounding seats for Drew, Stephen’s best friend. Drew presented much more of a challenge with his cynical, rebellious, troublemaker attitude. Week after week I waited for the chance to talk to him. I visited their school, so I could leave a note in Drew’s locker. I’m sure I saw Stephen and even said hi, but it was Drew’s heart that needed Jesus. After months of spending time getting into their world, specifically Drew’s, I finally coerced them into signing up for the annual retreat. Our staff worked tirelessly to create a weekend conducive to a life-changing experience. Near the close of the service, I watched intently as teenagers responded to the message. My spirit leapt as I noticed a tall, stocky teenager slowly making his way to the front. It was Drew! Late into the night, after nearly everyone had left, I frantically looked for Stephen to share with him in the exciting decision Drew had made.
“Can you believe it?” I said enthusiastically. “Drew came forward!” The awkward silence that followed accompanied by a sullen look told me Stephen didn’t share my enthusiasm.
“Yeah, Jeanne, that’s great…” his voice trailed and then I saw the tears welling up in his eyes. One finally streamed down his cheek and his throat cracked as he said the worlds I’ll never forget.
“It’s just that... well,” he stuttered, “Do I have to be a heathen to win your heart?”
I knew in that moment my heart needed to break for the Stephens as well as the Drews. Stephen went on to go into full-time ministry and serve as one of God’s finest.
Take the good kids, not so likely to be noticed by the world, and follow Jesus’ example of discipleship. He brought twelve men to the next level, only two of whom might be defined as loud or rebellious. First there was Peter and then there was Judas. If these two entered your youth service, by all normal standards you would have immediately picked them out of the crowd. In His wisdom, Jesus balanced His time between all twelve, not overlooking a single one of the unassuming men. The good disciples, like John the Beloved or the average Matthews might not have received any one-on-one time with the Lord, yet they did and later went on to write an entire gospel on His life. Jesus sought out men who weren’t just noisemakers, but recognized and rewarded diligent, consistent behavior, and by encouraging and loving these ordinary guys, they were transformed into world changers.
We just came off of our 3rd Year Intern Advance and will be leaving on Thursday for our 2nd Year Advance… in between we’re doing a huge outreach tomorrow night. It’s during these times, as I stand at the front of the room looking at all the amazing diverse faces starring back at me, I’m reminded of who is in my midst... particularly the Stephens and the Drews. Allow me to share their story...
Stephen faithfully sat in the third row every week. He never talked during the service, and he never caused a scene. Stephen played on the football team, but he didn’t start. He epitomized stability and every week, I knew I’d see him sitting among the crowd of teenagers unnoticed, unassuming, and quite frankly uninteresting. The moment I caught sight of his face, I immediately scanned the surrounding seats for Drew, Stephen’s best friend. Drew presented much more of a challenge with his cynical, rebellious, troublemaker attitude. Week after week I waited for the chance to talk to him. I visited their school, so I could leave a note in Drew’s locker. I’m sure I saw Stephen and even said hi, but it was Drew’s heart that needed Jesus. After months of spending time getting into their world, specifically Drew’s, I finally coerced them into signing up for the annual retreat. Our staff worked tirelessly to create a weekend conducive to a life-changing experience. Near the close of the service, I watched intently as teenagers responded to the message. My spirit leapt as I noticed a tall, stocky teenager slowly making his way to the front. It was Drew! Late into the night, after nearly everyone had left, I frantically looked for Stephen to share with him in the exciting decision Drew had made.
“Can you believe it?” I said enthusiastically. “Drew came forward!” The awkward silence that followed accompanied by a sullen look told me Stephen didn’t share my enthusiasm.
“Yeah, Jeanne, that’s great…” his voice trailed and then I saw the tears welling up in his eyes. One finally streamed down his cheek and his throat cracked as he said the worlds I’ll never forget.
“It’s just that... well,” he stuttered, “Do I have to be a heathen to win your heart?”
I knew in that moment my heart needed to break for the Stephens as well as the Drews. Stephen went on to go into full-time ministry and serve as one of God’s finest.
Take the good kids, not so likely to be noticed by the world, and follow Jesus’ example of discipleship. He brought twelve men to the next level, only two of whom might be defined as loud or rebellious. First there was Peter and then there was Judas. If these two entered your youth service, by all normal standards you would have immediately picked them out of the crowd. In His wisdom, Jesus balanced His time between all twelve, not overlooking a single one of the unassuming men. The good disciples, like John the Beloved or the average Matthews might not have received any one-on-one time with the Lord, yet they did and later went on to write an entire gospel on His life. Jesus sought out men who weren’t just noisemakers, but recognized and rewarded diligent, consistent behavior, and by encouraging and loving these ordinary guys, they were transformed into world changers.
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The implications of being able to encourage people to be all they can, are seen in every relationship - from your teenagers and leaders to your friendships and family. Authentic, genuine encouragement and affirmation has the great power to draw the best out in people! Let me dialogue with you about this vital ability we all need to keep developing in our lives. This is going to be a good one!
Affirming the best in you,
Don't you ever feel sorry for "the elder brother" in the prodigal son account? You know, he was the "good church kid" who never did drugs, never got drunk on the weekend and never got a girl pregnant out of wedlock. He stayed faithfully working in his father's house when his rebellious younger brother left home and caused all the stink. What was the elder brother's big issue? He just had to deal with feeling forgotten and lost in the crowd.
Guess what? You probably have several "elder brothers" in your local youth ministry. This Source, "The Church Guy," is a love note to them. I just wanted to take time to encourage the faithful ones and to celebrate them along the journey. I also wanted to give them a few gentle "kicks in the rear" to motivate them beyond their present spiritual walk.
All in all, it was a great night together. We even celebrated with a cake we dedicated to them at the end of the night. So go call the bakery and start listening. I guarantee that you have some "church guys" in your crowd too.
Still committed to the "Elder Brothers,"
