The upside of longevity.

My husband and I have been involved at our church for fifteen years.  For the first twelve of those years, Neil was the youth pastor of the church.  For the past ten years, I’ve been on staff as the worship leader.  Honestly, there have been times that I’ve wanted desperately to throw my hands in the air, turn my back, and walk away from this church. But there are lots of reasons why I’m glad we have not done that. Lately, I’ve been reminded of a few of those reasons. We get to do some amazing things.

Attend college grad parties for students we also saw graduate from high school. And junior high.
Attend weddings of former youth group students.
See former youth group students become amazing parents.
See our kids become friends with children of former youth group students.
See shy fourth graders grow up to be vivacious college students.
See former campers be counselors for my own kids.
Attend the baptisms, graduations, and weddings of all the kids in a family.
Act as references for students who are applying for involvement in innovative ministries.
See former ministry team members become amazing leaders of their own minstries.
Follow the thread of gifting through a student’s life, and seeing that gifting blossom into real action.  

So, do I think staying in one ministry for a long time is easy? No.  Do I think it’s required? No. But do I think it’s good and valuable, yes. Absolutely.