Longevity in Ministry

We have our Road Rally today for the Crossroads gang. I’m excited about it, even though we only have eight students signed up. The question was raised about whether it’s worth doing this big event for so few people. I absolutely believe it is, because if you cancel events with low attendance, you’ll never gain momentum or consistency. We can get so obsessed with numbers that we forget about the ministry that happens to those that participate. Numbers are not unimportant, but when you make them the first priority, you start to take a short-term view of ministry.

I’ve heard that the average life-span of a DCE in a congregation is about three years. Others say it’s as long as five. Either way, it’s shorter than you might expect. I believe some of this is due to the focus on numbers and some of it due to poor training and education. I left school and started my internship only to discover that 90% of my college education didn’t translate into ministry. Others have felt the same way. They get into ministry, unprepared for what to find, work like mad on a few great ideas, burn out, move on and repeat the cycle at the next church. They end up leaving the ministry burned out and frustrated.

Following Sue’s example, I am so thankful for First Trinity and other organizations that support longevity in ministry. Here are some specifics:

• Four lay leaders (Paul, Heide, Phil and Alicia) and I are heading to Cincinnati in February for the National Youth Ministry Conference.
• First Trinity is also investing in my continuing education towards becoming a Pastor, currently through Concordia Seminary in St. Catherine’s, Ontario.
• KINDLE, an organization that focuses on fostering and multiplying servant leaders.
• Our local group of Lutheran youth workers in the Buffalo area that meet monthly.

I’ve certainly been blessed in my two fast years at First Trinity.  I’m looking forward to continuing for many more here!