Who Comes After Me?

A question for you today - who have you been mentoring in ministry lately? Who is it that you have seen the spark of interest, passion or vocation in? Who have you invited to shadow you or learn more about serving in ministry? It most likely isn’t in your job description, but part of ministry leadership is developing other ministry leaders - missionary disciples who will find their place in the body of Christ. It’s extra. It’s important. It’s worth your time and energy.

I was a Young Life leader in college and I have been grateful for that experience every day. It shaped me, taught me and equipped me in powerful ways. But it isn’t the information I recall - it is the people who took time with me to help me learn to write a great talk, host a YL night or a meeting. They prayed for me, with me and taught me to pray with young people. They spoke often of authenticity - and reminded me that in ministry our lives must be transparent. I needed to be the person I claim to be. I learned that relationships are key to ministry and I learned how to build and sustain them. I was encouraged often and affirmed when it was most needed. I thrived because the adult leaders invested in me.

I recall being invited to the Area Director’s office one morning. He wanted to talk about my future - my plans and where God was calling me. I had never had anyone ask me that besides my parents - but I went to the meeting and it changed my life. I shared with the Director that I was going to be a teacher, and hopefully follow up with Theology studies as I would like to share my love of youth ministry at some point. He then said they would like to sponsor me to go to the seminary and stay with Young life - as an Area Director at the end of my studies. I took a few minutes to take it all in - a full scholarship, leadership opportunities in an organization I loved and to be a woman in what was mostly male leadership - wow, it was exciting!

After a few minutes I said,” you know, I am Catholic so I don’t know what I would be doing at this seminary- what’s the end result?” He laughed and said I would be a pastor and could be a youth pastor if that’s what I discerned. I reminded him again that I was Catholic and this looked a little problematic. He laughed again and said, you could leave your church and lead your own.

It took me just a minute to respond. I am not sure of all the words anymore, but I thanked him for the great honor of being invited in and for seeing the potential in me, but God was calling me to serve in my own church - by that I meant, the Catholic Church. I can’t imagine worship without the Eucharist, without the saints, Tradition, history, and even if I wasn’t sure of all the teachings, they had made me who I am.

I left his office - not feeling sad or discouraged, but joyful and hopeful. I knew that God would bless the decision I had made and I didn’t look back.

I share this today because you and I are those leaders today. The ones that are called to invite new people to the table, to be on the lookout for new leaders and to accompany, mentor and coach generously. Can you name 3-5 people you could invite in to ministry in some way? Do you know young adults looking for meaning and purpose in their lives? Have you seen gifts and strengths in volunteers that need nurturing to go on to new opportunities in ministry?

This work we have been called to is not just on us. It is about invitation to others and committing to walk with them and share your wisdom. I challenge you to make that list today and plan to connect with those on the list in the next week. One of the saddest things I have seen in my work is burned out, over-worked ministry leaders who didn’t know they could be casting a wide net around them to share the work, lighten the load and grow the church! We aren’t meant to work alone or to see our life’s work fizzle out if we leave our positions. We are called to include more people, offer more support, mentor, encourage and affirm.

I know that it was against the odds that someone raised in the 70’s with guitar music, banners and prayer circles would go on to ministry leadership. There may have been a lack of structure- but there was an abundance of love, support, mentorship and listening. I am grateful to the men and woman who walked with me and I am committed to do the same with those I encounter too.

So, make a list of people whom you could invite in, commit to mentorship and accompaniment. It will be a great gift to you and our church! And if you have time, write a thank you note to the person who invited you in and walked with you!

Peace,

Jane