Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Michael Jackson and the Ministry

Ok so I know most of you are thinking, "What in the world does Michael J have to do with the ministry?" And you would be legitimate in your skeptism given his recent negative press, however a recent email from one of my students reminded me of the importance of Michael J in the ministry, especially youth ministry.
Giving some background, I have a student in my ministry that gave her heart to God at a retreat in junior high, but in the same weekend at the same church was sexually abused by a youth counselor. Needless to say, she has been distant to God ever since. Then last summer, she went on a road trip with myself and other students. There were 5 total in my car including myself. The trip was 4 hours and in that time I was able to indoctrinate these girls and guys with my favorite music...80s. Thus, the time was filled with plenty of Jefferson Starship, The Outfield, and Michael Jackson. However, the trip was also filled with deep conversation about their struggles with drinking, smoking, and relationships. We are all real, including me, the pastor!
Since then, she has rededicated her life to Christ after much counseling, prayer, and accountability by myself, her friends, and her small group leader.
Fast forwarding to now, I received an email from her today telling me how her teacher played Michael J and 80s music in her class today. Consequently, it reminded her of the impact that I have had on her life. Now, truly, here is the extent of my interaction with her. Road trip, some counseling in my office, prayer, preaching to her and other teens every week at youth, and mostly finding other women to invest in her life. I honestly did not feel as though it was a ton, as I have invested much more in others, especially guys. However, she wrote me sharing how deep of an impact I have had on her life.
As I began to ponder where this first began, it all came back to the road trip and Michael J...Thus, my thoughts are these...
1. How do you capitalize on this more? How can you have more "road trips" in the ministry where deep connection and sharing takes place?
2. It is not the medium, but the message. It doesn't matter what medium you use (for me with this student it was 80s music), but that the message you send is the love of Christ that covers all and saves all.
3. Be real. In my sermons and the car ride, I was as real as I could be about my struggles, etc. in life without crossing any lines. Students appreciate this and it shows you have been there too!
4. Share your life. Allow others into who you are. If you like U2, share that. If you love to watch Seinfeld, talk about it. Whatever you love in life, talk about it...others will remember it.
5. Students are watching. Every thing I do or say, my students watch and see. Even the music I listen to, they remember!
Any thoughts, ideas? Let me know...anything more numbers to add past 5?

2 comments:

Brian B said...

Neilio...Dude I think you are totally right...I think all too often it is me and all about me, when it isn't...it is all about God. True Dat!!

Anonymous said...

Very nice site! » »