Young Ministers
I heard a rumor a few years ago that there aren’t many gifted young ministers in Churches of Christ because they’ve all left.
Here’s my response in one word: Ha!
Here’s my response in six words: You’ve got to be kidding me!
As I look around, there are so many gifted young men and women who’ve entered ministry that I wouldn’t dare to begin to name just a few. Youth ministers, preachers, children’s ministers, college ministers, etc.
It’s true, yes, that some very gifted people have left Churches of Christ to minister among other tribes. I don’t find that troubling: the kingdom of God is much bigger than our little group. God’s blessings on them wherever they have landed!
But I feel so blessed to be in a heritage that now has a small army of gifted people leading. (This is to say nothing of the wider meaning of “minister” that encompasses every Christ-follower . . . and then I look around and see a rather large army of young men and women who are seeking the radical way of Jesus in this world through business, teaching, medicine, law, technology, etc.)
Let’s be kind to them. They may stretch us . . . they may not fit into our mold entirely . . . they may not yet have the advantage of perspective that comes with aging. But let’s be kind. Let’s hear their challenging voices; let’s watch their challenging actions. And let’s give God thanks for them.
Mike,
Brilliant words coming from a true pastor.
Thanks,
Josh
Best wording of what we baby boomers are wishing we could be!
Thanks…from a young minister.
Bingo
Thank you so much for that post!
Is 38 considered young? Just wondering.
I’m sure there are young ministers out there – I’m just not finding a place that will hire one. This one in particular.
I think 39 is still young, so 38 works for me. I think that so many congregations hire younger guys they forget about use younger guys.
Yes, Dusty, that’s really young.
Gifted young ministers …
Sounds like an interesting story for The Christian Chronicle. But I’d probably set the bar lower than 38 (and I say that as an over-the-hill 42).
Twenty-somethings maybe. Or too young to run for president. I don’t know.
Mike,
Some of us didn’t want to leave at all , but our “little tribe” didn’t really have room for us, not in the ways we were gifted.
I still consider myself part of the c’s of C, even if I’m having to find an outlet for ministry elsewhere.
I think that it’s wise to be mindful that there are gifted people serving among us of every age and even wiser to seek their counsel and insight.
47 is young. definitely.
I saw alot of young, really young, ministers at ACU graduation last Saturday – very energizing. I agree with Q once again, however, there is really not alot of vertical room for women ministers in the cofC. That needs to change, and it is albeit too slowly. A woman (ACU prof) led two prayers at graduation assemblies I attended – awesome! I met another woman graduate who left Abilene last week for Honduras – I bet she finds work there.
Amen, Mike. And, as Randy asked us last Thursday night: I’ve made a promise not to impede our young in their seeking of God in fresh & different ways/venues than how we did or didn’t. What an exciting time to be living in! Jimmy & I were thrilled to see & hear the younger ones at Pepperdine—–each & every one were wonderful & full of the Holy Spirit. Yea, God!
YBB!
Dusty – If my mom says you’re young, you’re young. (It might make you nervous that she also thinks I’m young.) But yes, 38 is “in” on a blog by a 53 year old!
Deana – How nice of you to remember. Would it not be MABB now, though?
Dusty’s 38? Shoot I thought he was closer to 44 … like me. I’m guessing that makes me middle aged.
Dusty, you are a young whipper-snapper!
As a young minister who left, but still has much affection for the tradition that nourished my faith growing up… thanks.
Mike, thanks for this post! I absolutely agree that there are those out side the churches of Christ who have obeyed the Lord in the ways He commanded us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who have are in the Lamb’s Book of Life and going to heaven. Praise God for them! :}
And yes, I promise also to never be a stumbling block to the young people and young ministers out there who are seeking God in the same or different ways then I or others have. Thank you Mike for this compelling lesson. God bless. Grace and Peace.
Mike, it doesn’t seem that long ago when you were one of the young guns!
I thought something similar out at Pepperdine this year, “We’ll never lack for guys who will be able to speak and move people.” Church Leaders though (and I’m not thinking about elders) … “Lord give us the gift of leadership through the empowerment of your Spirit.”
I am so glad you posted this. It’s so true and needs to be heard. I am 20 years old I’ve been preaching since I was 16. I am completely sold out for the Lord. Thanks man of God for the word of knowledge.
Aaron, i understand the difficulity that you are having. Unfortunately church work has become more and more political. It seems that folks are more interested in who you know and less interested in how well you know Jesus. I know some great ministers who cannot find a church that will even given them a look because they have not played the politic game. Stay in the fight we need all the help we can get.
Dusty – you’re pushing it. :p