Protecting the Innocent

The Vatican has released the modifications to the decree that applies to those accused of sexual abuse of minors. Please take some time to read the document.

A Difference

This time of year gets me to thinking about whether or not I, the ministry, the service trip, or whatever it is that I'm worrying about really makes a difference.

When you're bogged down with permission forms, van rental agreements, room lists, and all the rest, it seems like you're simply doing busy work.

Then there's the countless hours spent in preparation for the fall kick-off, fall retreat, teen leader formation.

In an exhausted state fueled by Diet Mountain Dew and sugar free strawberry Twizzlers (a new personal favorite), I could easily let myself become discouraged. I would hazard to say that no one in ministry is exempt from these moments. They are natural and understandable.

What saves me is a core belief - everything matters. Yesterday officially began my eighth year of youth & young adult ministry. There are many things I have learned - always pack duct tape, two teens can carry a water heater, always put the lunch cooler in the canoe with the most experienced canoe-ers. But the most important lesson I've learned is that it all matters. It all makes a difference. Yes, even the countless hours spent tracking down missing forms for service trips or World Youth Day pilgrimages.

The simple conversations before the meeting begins.
Showing up for the theatrical production or football game.
Hours of prep work for a youth or young adult night that isn't used because people just need a game night.
Staying up all night at the lock-ins.
Hunting down a replacement speaker for Theology on Tap when the scheduled one cancels 48 hours before the event.
Ending up bruised and slightly battered after the camping trip.

What we do matters. We may not see it. We may not feel it. But we still make a difference.