We recognize that this is an unusual and even unprecedented time to be doing ministry. This post pertains to more normal times, and you may not find it relevant in the next few weeks. However, we are also aware that, with many of us working from home, some people may have more time to read blog posts now than they usually do. We hope that you will be able to read this now and use its guidance at such a time as our activities return to normal.
If you were to take a peek inside any teen’s backpack, you would inevitably find a planner. Often it is a spiral-bound calendar of the school-issued variety, with all of the dates and deadlines highlighted, reserving students’ futures, hour by hour. If not the traditional notebook, then you’ll find a color-coded electronic calendar app, complete with alarms and alerts, interrupted by the demanding dings of social media.
Our teens are booked. Their calendars are overflowing with rehearsals, study sessions, team practices, and hours of community service. Since grade school, they’ve been pinballing around town for playdates, lessons, and activities. During this important time of self-discovery that is adolescence, it is disheartening how much society places emphasis on “doing” over “being.” Jesus invites us into a life of rhythm: a time to work and a time to rest.
Time for nothing can mean everything to our harried teens. In this reflective season, build a little breathing room into your youth ministry. Consider these four ways to unfill your schedule:
Our students’ schedules are begging for space for the Spirit to move. Turn down the volume, turn off the screens, and lead your students into the holy moments of unplanned time.