Kid's Ministry Coffee Break | A Few Minutes of Spiritual Refreshment for Children & Youth Ministers.
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
"TITHING YOUR TIME" Kids Ministry Coffee Break 25: Ministers are called to serve their congregations AND communities. It's the community part that can be overwhelming, especially these days."
"TITHING YOUR TIME" Kids Ministry Coffee Break 25:
This is a simple idea that comes from my work as a minister concerning issues that are present in my community—probably in yours as well.
I live just outside of Louisville, KY.
Over the past few years, there have been a handful of situations that have occurred here which involve issues of racism.
You may have heard of Breonna Taylor—if not, you can read about what happened to her pretty easily on Google.
Perhaps you have had things occur in your community that bring us, as ministers, into a hard arena of conversation and work for justice.
No matter who you are or how you vote, we are all affected by issues of justice.
If you’re like me, you have wrestled with the question, what do I do, as a person…as a minister…as a human being?
How much impact do my efforts even have?
How much change could I actually bring?
You can fixate on these questions until you find yourself either 1. motivated to get involved…or 2. overwhelmed by the mountain of brokenness which stands before you.
If you don’t get involved…you may struggle with a feeling that you aren’t helping to make things better.
If you do get involved…you may struggle with knowing how much is enough?
I’m several years into this arena and I’m still wrestling and asking questions of myself. I’ve started a social justice ministries team at our church—albeit, a small one, and we are working to grow the church’s awareness and involvement.
But still…what is enough?
What is not enough?
What is too much?
Is there a TOO MUCH?
In this current season, I’ve come to a place of resolution for myself as a minister.
I’ve certainly lost sleep over wondering what I’m called to do and how much…
Where I’m at currently is embracing the idea of tithing my time.
You know the word “tithe,” right? It means 1/10th
Literally, the word means a tenth.
We often use it when it comes to worshiping and giving to God in gratitude for all we are given.
It took my wife and I a while to commit to tithing my money, but we got there and we are so glad we did.
Well…when it came to figuring out how much of my time I give to issues of community issues and social justice, I decided to operate with the same mentality.
So…1/10th of my time goes to that kind of work in my ministry.
I suppose my expected time per week is 40 hours, so I work to give 4 hours of that to this kind of work.
I have had so much more peace about my commitment and involvement with this type of work since committing to tithing my time.
That time consists of reading, studying, teaching, connecting with people outside of the church, and having conversation at opportune times.
I’m committed to 1/10th of my time—and having a peace that THAT is enough.
Maybe something comes along that has me re-think what I commit to give, but this was a “start somewhere” kind of approach to it all.
It’s helped me to actually be committed, but not feel overwhelmed.
Whatever pulls at your heart…whatever inspires you in your work and ministry and community as a person and minister, consider tithing your time each week to devote your effort to what you feel called to be and do. Start there…and just see what God can accomplish in and through you.
Message brought to you be Rev. Joseph Sanford of Sanford Curriculum (Student ministry resources available on The Sunday School Store written by he and Lauren Sanford).
Music by The Muse Maker
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