Let me say it another way... when we as youth leaders throw things together at the last minute and publish information that has mistakes and smudges; when we miss deadlines and under-deliver on promises we make in public, our credibility and trustworthiness go down the drain along with our ministries. What I shared with you last time was a bit of sloppy, off-the-cuff, and not very well-thought out, but very sincere and truthful information. I believe in this stuff, but sometimes I do a really lousy job of saying it clearly and effectively. I am sorry! I am all for giving each other grace... I am truly grateful, thankful and humbled by grace. But, in our ministry context, how are people perceiving us and our ability to lead? Is this making any sense to anyone? My mentor in youth ministry (DW) was the master of intentional, creative, and clear communication. If the mailing (we did not have the Internet/digital forms of communication in those days) looked sloppy, or words were misspelled, or information did not make sense, we recycled and started over. At least we recycled! We did not try to save money or time... he knew that our credibility and trustworthiness was at stake.
As you prepare for a busy Fall, and you are getting ready for the Fall, right? Pay attention to the details and don't let anything slide until it looks and sounds and feels right... make it clear, make it creative and make it correct! And for those of you with the "pastor/teacher" gifts... make it concise! Be thorough... it really does matter, and our reputations are at stake. Thanks for putting up with all my "typos" and for the grace to be counted as one of the "called" to student ministry!
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