What’s a funny thing that has happened in ministry?
I’ve seen all sorts of crazy things happen in my ministry! But a story that stands out goes into the category of “never do that again.”
We decided to let our students have a contest to see who could chug a two-liter bottle of pop (or soda for you non-Midwesterners). We had a young lady in our ministry with special needs, and she really wanted to participate. So we let her. We all stood amazed as she lifted the bottle and guzzled the whole two liters in less than 30 seconds, faster than anyone else.
Unfortunately for her, both liters came back up even faster than they went down. I’m pretty sure all the students had to go home and shower that night. But everyone bonded with her over it, so it was all right.
What would you say to someone new to Gospel Advancing?
Spend lots of time in prayer, even before you start implementing Gospel Advancing. That may sound cliché, but it isn’t.
Pray for God to show you the right leaders and which students to approach first. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of those you approach. Pray that God will give you wisdom to explain the vision of Gospel Advancing. Pray that God will give you patience.
For many students — and even leaders — this will be brand-new. Many will feel scared to death. Some may resist the change. Be sure to continually remind yourself that it’s God’s plan to reach the lost, and ensure you’re committed to following His plan.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
What’s a challenge in your ministry, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges in ministry is changing minds about being a Gospel Advancing ministry. I decided to start a Gospel Advancing network of youth pastors who would really work on building Gospel Advancing ministries. The group grew quickly. We had 25 youth pastors within three months. However, it quickly became clear that we had different agendas, and I couldn’t keep the network focused on Gospel Advancing. So I let that group disband and refocused.
I went back to the office and wrote out exactly what I wanted to accomplish. I put together a document explaining Gospel Advancing and what was expected of each person who wanted to join the group. Then I gathered four other youth pastors and explained to them what I wanted to accomplish and what I was looking for in a core team who would commit to a Gospel Advancing agenda. I gave them the opportunity to join in or to go a different way. Either way, Gospel Advancing was the direction our group was going in.
I now have two different Gospel Advancing networks! They’re committed to advancing the Gospel, and we’re beginning to see God move.
What keeps you motivated?
There are several things I do to stay motivated. When I’m out in a crowd, I purposely remember the words of Jesus:
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Oddly enough I also remember the words of the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby: “Ah, look at all the lonely people.”
Those things remind me that all around me are people who are misled and lonely in this life. And when their life is done, they will spend eternity separated from Christ. I have several reminders on my computer to pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus. I also have a reminder of the Dare 2 Share Gospel Advancing Creed, to recall the commitment I’ve made:
I am a Gospel Advancing leader. I am a warrior for Christ and a member of this team. I will lead the way, first with my family and then with others, in the power of Christ, for the glory of God. I will live out Gospel Advancing values and recruit other leaders to do the same. By His grace, I stand ready to engage and defeat the spiritual forces of darkness. I am a guardian of the clear Gospel of grace. I won’t stop until every youth group is energized, every Christian teen is mobilized, and every lost teen is Gospelized. I won’t give up until every teen, everywhere, hears the Gospel from a friend. I am a Gospel Advancing leader!
Steve Oswald
Regional Coordinator for Word of Life
Rittman, Ohio
