Once again I’m reminded that life-changing ministry isn’t necessarily sitting in a church office planning events and games. It’s not always about the next big trip, how many students are in attendance, or how much money is in the budget. Although these things are important and have their obvious place, life-changing ministry seems to usually take place in those seemingly insignificant moments that I soon forget about. It’s the unexpected e-mail that says, “Hey Tim, remember last year when you and I were just standing around talking and you said such-and-such? That changed my life forever.” It’s the random Instant Message that says, “You probably don’t remember me, but I was scared and lonely and you gave me a hug. I’m alive today because I felt like you actually cared.” Or the phone rings that from an unknown caller, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m now a church worship leader because of your influence on me during high school. Thank you.” Wow.

I am no different. I’m in youth ministry because of a Student Venture staff member named Bob Klein. A couple years ago I had the opportunity to take him out to lunch, just as he did for me in high school, and say, “Bob, thanks for your influence on my life. Here’s where I am today because of it.”

Ministry isn’t about what you do; it’s about who you are.

Posted on May 22, 2006