yesterday i had some really tough conversations with some students. conversations based in highly charged topics surrounding faith and actions. topics that tend to be polarized...some standing on one side while others choosing the opposite side.
they are things that if we lived and followed Christ in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to deal with. but because that is far from the context in which we live...we do have to deal with them. and i believe that they way we chose to embrace these tough gray areas has serious implications for faith moving forward.
and yet, i have to be honest...there is a huge part of me that wishes...and maybe even dreams that we wouldn't have to have these conversations. often i want for ministry to be easy, and comfortable, and smooth, and safe, and without tough stuff. but i know in the depths of my being, that as soon as those thoughts and emotions win out...our ministry begins to fail. because that is not the way that true life change happens. easy, comfortable, smooth, safe, and without tough stuff is not going to lead people towards finding their way back to God. we have tried that in churches and faith communities for far too long...and it is simply not working.
and so...as i look back on yesterday...it had some of the toughest conversations i have had in a while...and it was one of the more roller coaster like days i have had in a while. and yet, i can say confidently, that it was one of the best days of ministry i have had in quite some time as well. i feel confident that strides were made in people finding their way back to God...and that is what i believe God has called me, and us, to hang our hats on here in this ministry in this place.
i pray that out of this, i will be able to embrace the tough stuff more and more! Lord help me, because i know there is no way i can do it on my own.
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