Grable Group

Keys to Longevity in Ministry by Mark Oestreicher

Merry Christmas all, and enjoy or be horrified by this weird collection of nativity oddness from Mark Oestreicher.

I love the story of Eutychus in Acts (chapter 20, verse 7 – 12). It’s one of those rare biblical stories with quirkiness and humor.

We americans love our self-sufficiency. And in the world of leadership, self-sufficiency is seen as a sign of strength. We are groomed, over years, to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

We youth workers do some pretty crazy things from time to time, right? Call it “the lengths we’re willing to go to for teenagers” or “occupational risk” or just the collective risk-taking nature of our tribe.

Here’s a seductive misconception that has very little to do with years in youth ministry: since I’m busy doing God’s work, my soul will take care of itself. Or, a slight variation: since I’m busy doing God’s work, God will take care of my soul.