I Did that on Purpose

Do you ever remember seeing someone trip and very quickly while trying to gain their balance, they begin to look around to see if someone caught them in full nerd mode.  Then as if nothing ever happened and in their full “cool” walk act as if they just tripped on purpose.

Too many times I’ve been that nerd.  At some point I began realize that if you would acknowledge your trip, basically own your nerdiness, that people would laugh not only at you, but with you.  Laughing is always good, but it’s the best when you get to join in.

Often, in Ministry, I have to remind myself of the importance of laughing when I trip.  You know those moments when you’re sporting your brand new aeropostale shirt with all the cool writing on it that seems to be what all the “cool” kids are wearing… and in front of everyone a student loudly says, “That shirt is ugly.”  How about at then end of camp and students are sharing how God impacted their lives and a girl stands up says, “I like camp better when “old youth pastor” was here”.  Ouch!  Sometimes moments like that can really “trip” you up.  Sometimes it feels like everyone is laughing at you.  Sometimes it hurts.

How not to purposefully or accidently fall on your face in student ministry.

1.  Don’t be rude back – Oh yeah i’ve done it.  I don’t care if you like how I do camp or I don’t care if you ever go with us anywhere ever again.  How about, well maybe if you knew anything about style you would think my shirt is cool.  hahahah.  I’ve tripped many times and handled myself wrong many times.  (By the way the shirt comment goes out to my boy Aundre, who is graduating this year and is one my favorite people on the planet now).  God is so cool.

2.  I Hate…  Teenagers – Bitter’s not Better – Teenagers say and do things because… well, they are teenagers.  Often times they call it like they see it.  (That doesn’t mean they see it right, but sometimes they do).  But if you hold a grudge, it will defintely hinder how you minister to them.  It may keep you from being able to build that relationship of Pastor/Student.

By the way if you don’t like teens…   you may need to chat with God about what you are doing?!?

3.  If You Can’t beat em’ Join em’ -  How often do you get frustrated at parents who would rather be a friend to their teen rather than parent them.  I’ve known so many Pastors who try to befriend their students rather than Pastor them.  You really do have a higher calling… God isn’t kidding about that, so be their Pastor.

4.  If they’re not going to…  then I’ll just…  – I’ve muttered this to myself dozens of times.  Frustrated because our students just don’t seem to get “it”.  You begin to feel like you say the same things over and over and nothing is changing and what really stinks is that things may even be getting worse.   Truthfully, by giving up, no matter what the reason, is sin when you are not doing what God is leading you to.

So How do you handle situations when you “trip”.  I think you have to realize that everyone trips, everyone falls, and that no matter what God is in control.  I’ve learned to laugh at myself.  To place great friends and leaders around me who will encourage  me to death, but are not afraid to tease me when I “trip”.

I’ve learned to laugh at myself and even more so to learn that God has a great sense of humor and is probably laughing at me more than I know.  It’s better to laugh with those around you (including God) rather than being laughed at.

Trip with a sense of humor.

What are some things you’ve tripped up on and how have you learned to learn from it and to laugh about it?

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