Communitas: Consulting Help Available

Monday, November 24, 2008

Consulting Help Available

I receive my fair share of emails and calls concerning starting a college ministry or youth ministry. I want you to know that I am available to assist you-this is something that we at BSM are here for to strengthen churches! If you are interested, please contact me at utsabsm@gmail.com or by phone: 210.823.4166. I would be honored to set a time to meet with you, your staff and or your church.

There are questions I would ask any church that expresses interest in starting a ministry to students. For your consideration:

* Is your church behind this endeavor? Does the church have a passion for students? Does the church have a broken heart for this generation?

* Does your church have people who are willing to invest their time, talents, energy and prayers into this ministry?

* Is the church willing to support this ministry financially? The church does not need to spend a lot of money on bells and whistles-but the church needs to commit some resources to the ministry. A church's budget reflects what is truly valued.

* Is the church willing to make some adjustments to reach students?

* Is the church willing to meet young people where they are?

Young people matter to Christ. It is not "news" that we are losing a generation that is ironically, interested in spiritual matters, but not the church. If you are interested in reaching this generation, my words to you are "God bless you! May your tribe increase!"

I would also say, "Be patient. Stay in prayer-and please let me know if we can assist you in any way."

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Why Communitas?

Communitas is a word and concept I learned from reading Alan Hirsch's wonderful book: "The Forgotten Ways."

Hirsch seeks to rediscover what he calls the original "Apostolic Genius" that was a part of the early church's spiritual DNA. The early church was highly missional and grew from approximately 25,000 followers to 25 million in a short period of time. One of the core elements Hirsch fleshes out is that of "Communitas."

Hirsch writes: "Communitas not Community: The most vigorous forms of community are those that come together in the context of a shared ordeal or, communities who define themselves as a group with a mission that lies beyond themselves—thus initiating a risky journey. Over-concern with safety and security, combined with comfort and convenience, have lulled us out of our true calling and purpose. Everyone loves an adventure. Or do we?"

I pray this journal in some way stimulates our desire for authentic communitas within our families, churches and faith communities. Following Christ is and should be anything but safe and comfortable!