CSM: On the Verge

It's too late at night, past our bedtime and Reed and I are up and talking. What is it that would cause this? One of two things: his passion - leading groups, or mine - student ministry. It's such a buzz for me, like caffeine. Once I get started thinking, dreaming and praying about it, I just can't stop. I've learned not to read my youth books or start talking about it too close to bedtime. I've learned that worrying about what kids are attending, who's not and why or what the leaders are (or aren't) doing does nothing, but praying about it and trusting God's hand does. That's one of the coolest things about ministry...God does the hard work, we just follow.
So, if I'm not worrying about those things, what gets me all jazzed? Glad you asked.
I just love this amazing vision I have of 50 (I don't know why this number...but that's what always pops in my mind) kids all at different stages with their Maker sitting around being ministered to by one another, adult leaders and me. Maybe that's in community groups, an event, camp, a retreat, a service project, maybe even a Sunday morning of all students! I can just see it! And to think that God can bring us these ragtag students from all over Fort Bend (and beyond) so that we can share with them how awesome life is when it's lived in God's love and adventure...well, the thought gets me stoked. I dream of students making that happen because they get it. Students who are filled not by entertaining programs but the knowledge of who they are in Christ and that gives them freedom and confidence. And because they are filled they can share it with others...in fact, they can't wait to! I see homes filled with students sitting around a living room, tummies full of hot dogs and pizza, Bibles open, faces introspective considering the discussion and how to apply scripture to their daily life. I hear prayer requests for softer hearts because they are convicted of being hard towards others and God. I see groups of kids standing around greeting and talking and connecting with one another on a Sunday morning, then sitting down and worshipping together with the larger church body (and there is no mistaking that they're there!).
Then here's what really gets me: we're on the verge.
"Um...really, Erin, cuz, I saw about 10 kids this past Sunday."
Yeah, but it's God's ministry and He could do whatever he sees fit. Especially once we get ahold of the idea that the ministry doesn't exist for us, but for them. Others. And I think that's beginning to happen. That's what excites me. Does that make me a ministry nerd? Unrealistically idealistic? Maybe. But I don't care. I'll keep listening to Jesus and His words to encourage me, because I know it's His song, I just get to sing it! And it's a beauty!