what is the motivation?
It seems as I look around this world we call home… that often what motivates action is fear, guilt, or vengeance - or some combination thereof. I know that is pretty cynical. But it seems that from congress to the school house too often (how about that) we hear underlying building programs and new initiatives this motivation mix of fear (someone is going to out do us), guilt (it has been a long time coming), or vengeance (never again!).
I know that few things happen from pure motives (meaning only one motive) - it is most often a mix of motivations - but it has me thinking, what motivates youth ministry in my church?
Is it guilt? Are we attempting to make up for some past failures by providing “the best” for the next generation?
Is it fear? Are we trying to provide an alternative to the world in order to protect our children?
Is it vengeance? Are we trying to prove something to someone?
What are the motivations that move us or our church into ministry with teens? I am sure it is a mixture of all kinds of inner forces. Though, I am coming to learn and be convinced of this - if love is not a growing factor amidst those other competing factors, it’s not worth much.
God, may a holy love infuse our desires and motivations as we minister to others. May the love which moved Jesus from heaven to earth be the mark of your bride. May love rain on your church and be the fragrance she is known for. On earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
Great post Doug. I might use it and respond to it in our parent’s newsletter.
Len,
That is extremely affirming (whether you use it or not). One can write for a variety of reasons - compulsion, to clear your head, to help bring closure, to engage in dialogue, to inform, to prod…
I tend to write to serve those in youth ministry. So it is nice to get feedback from those serving in youth ministry, like yourself. I am at a place in my life where I sense that it is my time to pass on to others, to further the dialogue, etc.
It is nice to get some feedback that I am close to my aim.
For me, your post would work because you are asking the questions that at some places would get you in trouble. Not here for me, fortunately, but I then get to ask, “How would we answer these questions?” for our church? And hopefully it’d bring about better clarification.