The Gap Between Should and Is

This is a fascinating little video featuring some thoughts on the process of creativity from Ira Glass:

This "gap" goes beyond creating good art that matches our taste. Our view and understanding of our ministry experiences a similar divide, a gap between what we think ministry should be and what our ministry is.

When we're fresh and eager, like in our first year of ministry, we *know* what makes for a great youth ministry. But after experiencing enough bumps and bruises along the way--a group of critical parents, a student whose faith goes sideways, an unjust firing situation--many in the youth ministry tribe simply give up and leave, or become a bit cynical about ministry and Christianity. Leading in ministry--particularly leading up--requires tenacity and patience.

Take Ira Glass's advice to heart: When the gap between what should and what is seems impossible to navigate, keep doing the work of ministry.

Let me add one piece of wisdom to Ira's ideas: Don't just do the hard work of ministry alone--lean into the Lord for your strength and endurance.

(ht to Paul Martin for sharing the video)

Joel Mayward is a pastor, writer, husband, and father living in Langley, British Columbia. He’s been serving in youth ministry since 2003, and is currently the Pastor of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at North Langley Community Church. A writer for numerous youth ministry publications and author of Leading Up: Finding Influence in the Church Beyond Role and Experience, Joel writes about youth ministry, film, theology, and leadership at his blog, joelmayward.blogspot.ca.