Goss Memorial Church's VBS will begin this Sunday evening ((July 7) and run through Thursday (July 11). This post is not a wide plea for help. Instead consider this an encouragement to embrace what happens in week long ministry efforts as special opportunities for our growth and challenge.
During Project Shine this year (see more about Project Shine here) I had several conversations about the challenges this particular year brought. Now you may ask: what would make you anxious or challenged about Project Shine? Haven't you participated in it for 18 summers now?
Below I'll list a few reasons to consider a week long ministry commitment on a regular basis.
1. Good will eventually come out.
Missions trip, VBS, camp, whatever ministry opportunity you may engage: something good will eventually happen. Chances are, lots of good things will happen. God will bring the right person. You'll re-connect with someone you haven't seen in a while. You'll meet someone new. Someone will give their life to Christ. God will protect you in a tangible way. Perhaps several of these types of things and more will happen.
God IS good and these special efforts allow us ways to practically see and experience His goodness for His glory.
2. Bad will eventually come out.
Frustration. Anger. Dislike of another person. At one point this year in Project Shine I'm pretty sure I asked God some form of the question: "You do know we need it to NOT rain at some point, right?"
A one day ministry opportunity can allow us to hide our weaknesses. A week long opportunity offers no such cover. The mask will come off. You'll have to work through a situation. Forgiveness will need to happen. Doubts will flare. Personalities will clash. God will remind you He's in charge (thank you very much!).
3. The two depend on each other.
I don't think I can remember any week long event that went off completely without a hitch. They almost always require working through something. So when something bad happens, it often presents an opportunity for something good to come out of it.
This is where our growth and stretching come into play. If we approach the opportunities looking for growth, we'll be fine. If we approach them expecting everything to go 100% smoothly and boil over with frustration evert time something breaks down, we'll be miserable, make everyone around us miserable, and miss opportunities to see God's special work.
In conclusion, I hope this gives some perspective for ministry opportunities the Lord may have in your future. I hope you'll consider one (or more as your time allows) and thank God for the growth that happens each time!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin