Friday, July 24, 2009

Basic Student Ministry Tip 18

Fully commit yourself to the awkward conversation.

Often when we approach students, they put up a wall of disinterest at our attempt to build a relationship with them. Whether it's legitimate on their end or if they are simply testing you, fully commit yourself the awkward conversation. It's better to have several conversations that go nowhere than it is to never even try because it feels "too hard" to find a way into their life. Ministry is hard - don't pretend it won't be. So make several, several attempts, never giving up. Eventually you'll find something to talk with them about and follow up with.

And if you need an example, you need only look to the constant invitational nature of God. How many times has He tried to build a relationship with us... only to have us brush Him off?

*Guest Tip by Pastor Tony Myles - to find more on Tony, check out his blog: http://dontcallmeveronica.blogspot.com

2 comments:

Nick said...

Amen to this.

There are plenty of kids that I end up doing this with, most of these kids are unchurched who I only met because I volunteered to coach track at their high school.

I pray that the awkwardness would lead to something bigger than both of us.

Any tips for breaking the awkwardness "ice"?

tonymyles said...

Thanks for the shout out, Todd! Keep doing what you're doing... it's a blessing to see you be a blessing.