I start my first on-line college class on Monday…but it’s not a “real” class, it’s on-line orientation. But it’s a start.

My first real class starts November 5th–Youth Ministry. I ordered all of the books for the course and they came earlier this week. I figured I’d get a jump start on the reading and one of the books has already captured my attention: The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry. This book is about more than youth ministry…the principles apply to all ministry.

I’m only 2 chapters in, but it’s been a good reminder that ministry is not about programs…it’s about people. And ministry isn’t just about getting to know people (although that’s important)…”youth ministry sets out to introduce teenagers to a particular relationship–namely, a relationship with Jesus Christ” (p. 27). I would argue that’s not just a goal for youth ministry.

And I would argue it’s not just for pastors! 

The Great Commandment and the Great Commission weren’t spoken for pastors only. Far from it! God wants us all in the business of introducing Him to others. No doubt pastors and teachers have an important role to play (that’s for another blog)…but we can’t abdicate our responsibility to them. We need to all be in the business of pastoring, discipling, and evangelizing each other. It’s why we are called “the Body of Christ”.

As I go about my daily life I’m trying to stay focused on what really matters–relationships not programs. I need to get involved in the lives of others–my wife, my kids, the men in my men’s group, Life Group, co-workers, and on and on…