What is the most important thing in planning a year of ministry? Every year, the student leaders of our faculties and specialist teams have to answer this question, often without much experience of leading a ministry before. How can staff workers, with ministry training, helpfully partner with students as they set out into the unknown? How can we make the most of this short window of opportunity, to train the future leaders of God’s church here in Sydney, Australia and beyond?
These questions have been buzzing around the EU over the summer break. Dozens of student leaders would come together to dream, pray and plan for a year of ministry on campus. Particularly for faculties, they consider how to prayerfully facilitate the ministry of God’s word, to advance the objects of the EU in their faculties (which is no small task!). They think about – when to hold events, how to recruit small group leaders, which evangelistic opportunities to pursue, who to particularly pastorally care for? And of course, what will be our goals for the year? For new student leaders, this can be a lot to keep in mind!
So what is the most important thing in planning a year of ministry? Beyond the to-do lists, the calendar and the long debates about the wording of a new vision for the year, perhaps the most important is remembering we don’t do ministry alone. As students and staff go away for planning and spend time dreaming and praying (as well as cooking, swimming and laughing), we remember that our ministry is always best when it’s done together in love, trust and fellowship in the Spirit. As we work through names in a database and feel the weight of people to reach and care for, we remember that there are many people in the EU, who are committed to God’s work in the lives of his people and in the lives of the lost – not to mention the hundreds of faithful supporters praying for us each day. Most of all, as we hope for our crazy plans to come to fruition, we remember that this is God’s work. He alone calls us to enter into His work and equips us with everything we need to carry it out. When planning for ministry on campus, in local churches, and anywhere, it’s worth stopping to remember that we don’t do it alone and be very thankful to God for that!
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