Doubletree Hotel, Nashville, TN

I met Stephen yesterday.  He's involved in a Christian rock band and spends much of his time traveling the country playing in churches and visiting with youth groups.  A few months ago, while ministering at a church he met a teenage guy who was obviously not a 'core' part of the youth group.  Forget 'core', this kid was barely even connected to the group at all.  He just happened to be there.  And it's quickly apparent he doesn't really fit the mold.  His choice in clothing and music show that he's not the typical youth group kid in this church.  But at least he's there, right? 

After the concert, Stephen is visiting with this boy talking about God & faith.  And through their dialogue, he learns that this kid isn't walking with Christ.  He shares a bit of his story and about his choices in life.  And through it all is woven a theme of not fitting in - to home, school, church, youth group. 

Yet here's the interesting part -- this kid is able to quote scripture backwards & forwards.  And when Stephen probes as to why that is, he gets a simple answer: Awana.  This guy was involved in Awana growing up!  And sure enough (as most kids who grow up there) he came out with an intense knowledge of God's Word that would show up most church deacons & elders. 

That's the story I heard as I met Stephen yesterday here in Nashville.  I'm in town for the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Music Week.  And it's an interesting set-up to why I'm actually here.  I arrived with a certain curiosity -- how many of the people involved in this industry were involved in Awana at some point in their lives?  For most of them, it would seem, they stayed connected to a faith that perhaps got started back in a club.  Yet for others, they followed a trek like this boy Stephen met. 

What results in these connects/disconnects?  Where does a break like this kid's happen?  How does it occur?  Is it our responsibility?  Is it within our control even?  Is it our effectiveness in youth ministry?  Is it our effectiveness in building relationships? 

These aren't easy questions and don't come with easy answers.  Yet it reminds me that ministry is messy.

Bottom line: Those of us in youth ministry must not give up.  What we do matters!  And while we don't really have control over what happens with kids like this or the people I'll meet in the days to come, we do have the unique opportunity to invest and influence.  Let's do it with all we've got!

-kevin

P.S. - For those of you trying to figure it out, yes this is my first blog post.  (Had to get on the bandwagon at some point, right?!)  My hope is to throw a post up every few days or at least every week - it may be something completely random, it may be something challenging my thinking, and it may be something to help you in ministry.  Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy reading these brief posts from time to time.  It's my joy to do ministry with you!