my most recent ‘epilogue’ column for Youthwork Magazine (in the UK) is out. here’s what i wrote:

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My church has just launched a capital campaign. It’s not sexy; but it’s needed. Several years ago, the church’s landlord (we were leasing space) informed us we could move or buy the place, as they had plans to level it and sell it to a condo developer. We stretched and believed and gave and somehow, by God’s grace, bought the property (of course, a bank now owns a major portion!).

But now, the place is sort of falling apart and needs major infrastructure improvements that go way beyond our budget. So we’re asking people to pray, “God, what step of faith do you want me to take?”

I was at a leadership meeting about this campaign recently, and one of our pastors shared about the three steps he and his wife were taking as they considered the commitment they would make. He outlined three steps:

1. What might we be able to do?
2. What can we add as a sacrificial stretch goal?
3. What portion can we add as a step of faith?

A few days later, I was sitting in a room with 50 North American leaders of youth ministry organizations. As I looked around the room, I was discouraged by how un-diverse the group was. I noticed that it was almost exclusively white, and almost exclusively male. I also noticed that it was almost exclusively old. I thought to myself: How is this group of old, white men—myself very much included—holding onto control of our ministries and getting in the way of younger leaders (and women, and people of color)? How could we change that? How can I change that?

In that moment (whether it was a prompting from the Holy Spirit or a result of the cheesecake I’d just devoured), that 3-step giving approach came to mind, and I quickly wrote it down on a pad of paper. As I reflected, I gave myself a mental pat on the back, acknowledging that I’m already attempting, in some ways, to give platform, opportunity, and voice to youth ministry leaders who aren’t old and white and male. That’s the first bit: What might I be able to do?

But when I looked at my scribbled notes, I was challenged by the other two bits: What might I be able to do as a stretch goal? And, What can I do on top of that as a step of faith?

Now, a few days later, I’m still ruminating on that. But I’m also seeing that this process could be helpful in more contexts than capital campaigns, as was clear to me from my application on the issue of getting out of the way and making room for non-old-white-male youth ministry leadership in my sphere of influence.

My a-ha: this is an approach to growing my faith (belief in action) in any area of my life! and this is an approach to growing my faith in the practice of youth work!

I’m thinking now of Nate, a 13 year-old guy in my small group. Honestly, the guy is a challenge. He’s not intentionally destructive or disruptive; but his ADHD, immaturity and…well…oddness make him exasperating when our small group is trying to have a conversation about pretty much anything.

What might I be able to do about Nate? Well, so far, I’m trying to be patient. I’m disciplining myself to not shame him, or make him feel anything close to rejection. I’m making sure the other guys in the group don’t make fun of him. All of that is my reasonable and important response.

What more could I do, as a sacrificial stretch? Dang, it’s clear I need to do something any good youth worker should do (but I haven’t done): I need to spend time with Nate. I need to build a relationship with him outside of the group. I need to pursue him.

And then, for the increase of my own faith and—hopefully—Nate’s welfare also: What can I add as a step of faith? In order for this to have teeth, my action has to be beyond my ability, beyond my normal practices, beyond my desires. This extra portion needs to be action that will reveal God, rather than revealing Marko. This third portion takes my past the limits of my own imagination and competency and resources. Honestly, I don’t have an answer for this yet (though I have a sense that praying that God develops in me a genuine affection for Nate is a piece of it). But I’m praying about it, asking God to show me that step (or steps) of faith, and to give me the courage to act.

Where do you need more faith in your youth work? Start by considering your rational, measured contribution. Add to that a stretch goal. Then, on top of all that: consider the step of faith that takes you beyond yourself into “Only God” territory.