The more I try to figure out this animal called youth ministry the less i realize I know. Here’s what I’m thinking though. We have a commission to make disciples. Sometimes that happens in a crowd… sometimes not.

This last couple years I’ve seen the numbers at a typical meeting nose dive. By the measurement of numbers we are having less of an impact than we were 2 years ago. However as I’ve listened to stories my students have told and watched them participate in what God is doing I’ve become more and more convinced that our impact has been greater this year than when we had larger numbers of students.

I won’t try and legitimize this with comments about “the 12 vs. the crowd” because honestly I’m not sure. What I do know is that I’m committed to making disciples of a few that are sold out to Jesus and then sending them out to reach the many

The pastor where I grew up often said, People who are rowing the boat often are not worried about rocking the boat. I use to think he was being trite and cute, now I think he is among the wisest guys I have ever known.

One example is the gender exclusive Bible. I can honestly tell you that my first NRSV changed my life. Seriously. Reading “brothers and sisters” made me cry… Coming from an extremely fundamental and abusive church, I desperately needed that affirmation and encouragement; in fact, I needed it more than I knew.

I also resonate with the “staff is a bunch of white males” concern.

Again, coming from a very abusive, fundamental church, I never felt supported by women. In fact, women were simply men’s appliances. Showcased and perfect, they had no voice, and were silenced if they tried to speak up.

As far as the fair trade and “cheap pastries” comment, a part of me says it is very important to value fair trade, but maybe they could bring the pastries next time.

I don’t hear those kind of actual comments from people (because I am currently not attending church anywhere), but I do imagine the reasons behind some of them. And your implication is the 10% of people who are too spoiled, or who have it too good, already.

I think there are more than 10% out there who are NOT attending church who would appreciate inclusive language, a varied church staff and maybe even some fair trade coffee. It’s part of the global calling of Christ.

Don’t get me wrong- I get what you’re saying. I do. I just also think that some of that pickiness might actually be valid. Maybe not from the way that particular person expresses it, or if they are trying to be something they’re not when they say it, but in the whole community of both those who believe and those who have yet to.

As I said earlier, an inclusive Bible and inclusive staff were revolutionary to rediscovering my faith. I know I can’t be the only one out there.

went to the pete rollins insurrection tour thing last night here in nashville and he told a full little story. short: a guy had this wheel barrow and started taking it across country lines smuggling junk. authorities heard he was smuggling things of great worth. the police stopped the man looked into his wheelbarrow and saw nothing but worthless junk. still the authorities kept hearing he was smuggling stuff. the police stopped the man and made a deal, ‘show us this valuable thing you’re smuggling. we won’t arrest you, we just want to know.’ the man told them “wheelbarrows!” we get so focused on the innards of others we forget the thing that carries.