For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Few know the context.
Judah is in captivity due to not keeping the sabbath, idolatry and a host of other sins. You, on the other hand, are not being disciplined, it just so happens that where you work it sure feels like exile.
Here are a 4 pieces of advice that God gives the exiles while they are in captivity that may help you while you serve in a difficult place.
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce." Jeremiah 29:5
Until God changes your circumstances, or location, settle in and become a part of the body you are serving.
"Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease."vs 6
Reproduce. Make disciples. Do not decrease what God has called you to do. Be spiritually fruitful and multiply. In other words, be productive while you're there.
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” vs 7
Pray for your church and your pastor. Slacking off because you think, "They don't deserve my best" only hurts you. Make things work to the best of your ability and you will prosper in the long run.
"When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. "vs 10
My guess is you will not be in that church forever. It's possible that after this ministry season is when the dreams God dropped into you're heart about ministry become reality.
God sees you. God has not forgotten you. And yes, God has a purpose, a plan and a promise waiting for you in and after this season.
Have a great week,
Paul
Youth Meeting Advice
If you wondering how to integrate new graduates into your youth ministry, here are the main points of a talk I shared on my Tuesday/Thursday Livestream.
It's a Church-wide Responsibility
The entire church, including the youth pastor, lead pastor, board, and other leadership, must work together to create a plan for integrating graduates. It can't fall solely on the youth pastor's shoulders.
Have a Written Strategy
Develop a written process for what happens when a student graduates. This provides a clear, consistent approach and helps you answer questions from parents, students, and other church members.
Plan a Retreat
Consider organizing a retreat specifically for graduating students. The goal of this retreat is to pour into them and affirm their place in the church. Involve the pastor and board members to show them they are valued by the wider church body.
Integrate Graduates as Leaders
Find specific, meaningful ways for qualified graduates to serve within the youth ministry. This could include co-preaching, leading announcements or skits, helping with games, or being a part of the adult leadership team. This allows them to develop leadership, communication, and planning skills that are valuable in all areas of life.
Assess Each Student Individually
Not all graduates will be ready to serve in a leadership capacity. Have individual discussions with each student to determine their abilities, desire to minister, and how they might best fit into the church.
Help Them Find Their Place Beyond Youth Ministry
If a graduate isn't ready or able to serve in a leadership role, encourage them to find a place in the wider church. This might mean working in children's ministry, becoming an usher, or serving in another capacity with the adult congregation.
Differentiate Between Service and "Playtime"
Be diligent about the purpose of a graduate's involvement. If a student is just looking to "hang around and goof off," their presence may work against the ministry's goals. Focus on those who have a heart for ministry and are ready to contribute.