What's Growing in Your Garden?

It's that time of the year. For some of us...the temperature slightly dips. For others, the mercury is dropping under the 32-degree mark. Snow is in the forecast, American Thanksgiving is around the corner, and my wife is starting to decorate for Christmas. With this season comes the usual "cleaning the yard and garden and preparing it for winter." I couldn't help but think about student ministry as I was cleaning up our successful garden

A student ministry is like a garden. Each new season, we receive seeds. Other times, we receive baby plants that we can transplant into a new setting. We water it, make sure the rabbits stay out, fertilize the snot out of it, and any time we see a weed popping up, we snag the weed.

Then, life happens. We get busy, we lose track of time, people, and things, and before we know it, we're trying to catch up on maintaining the garden. We may be successful in harvesting the produce, but in some cases, we may forget, and mistakenly leave some for spoil. In every youth ministry there are healthy vegetables and poisonous weeds. As those who are tending "the garden" we need wisdom to know the difference.

Also, learn when something is ready for harvest. Watch for the signs of growth, study and research what to do and when do to it. And most importantly, ask. Ask fellow "gardeners." Those who have been doing it for a while are willing to help, and have much help to give. Also, be careful not to over water or over fertilize. Giving your “plants” the right amount is key. With every conversation, activity, event, lesson, and plan we must leave room for the Holy Spirit to do his thing. It’s also a good thing to note that he works differently in each individual—what works for one might not always work for another. Excuse me now as I enjoy some fruits of my labour: a toasted tomato sandwich.