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Leadership developed, life changed |
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Monday, 09 February 2009 |
By Nick Palm
My first experience in student ministry was on a mission trip. In 2005, Dustin Sterrett was in a real bind. He needed an extra adult leader on our Student Mission Trip to Newport, Tennessee. One of the other adult leaders had an injury and was unable to go on the trip. This was in early June, the trip was slated for July. So Dustin asked me to join him on this trip.
I was hesitant, at first, I mean, I could teach teens in a classroom environment, but this was different. There were no comfortable walls of the teacher/student relationship. I had to get to know these kids. Little did I know what I was in for.
So, I went on the trip with Dustin, Caroline Cully, and a smattering of student ranging from 6th grade to senior high. I didn’t know anyone except the adults and I was sure that this was not going be the most fun trip in the world. But as it turns out, this trip started my life in student ministry.
During that week my life changed. I watched two 6th grade students give up their time and help organize a thrift store. I was with them as we built stands for clothing and went through trash looking for treasure. We helped a family by painting their home and talking with them on our breaks. I saw a group of students that knew each other get closer than I’ve seen before to what real community is. They looked out for each other, showed each other love and patience, all the while joking and having a great time. In serving others, they learned more about their own life and God’s call on them. As I write this several of those students are now the student leaders in Middle and High School ministry at IRPC. I lean on them and they lean on me.
Leadership is developed when you go on a mission trip. The journey wasn’t just great for student development, but also for me. My journey into student ministry started in Tennessee, when I Dustin took a chance and asked me to help. Who’s next?
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