I can remember it so very well. I can remember the props I used. I can remember the theme of it. I remember how excited I was. I can definitely remember how nervous I was. This is another one of those “first” moments in life (and in my ministry) that occurred at Underwood United Methodist Church – the little country church I grew up attending north of White Lake. This “first” moment that I am thinking of was the very first Children’s Message that I gave. I’m not sure how old I was, probably a junior or senior in high school, but as I said, I remember the theme, I remember the props, but what I really remember…was hyperventilating so bad by the end of it that I couldn’t breath and I had to squeak out “amen” to bring it to a close and get back to my seat.
Yes, that wasn’t my finest moment in ministry, and yet it was such a very important one. At that time in my life I wasn’t aware of or sensing God’s call to ministry on my life, and yet I look to that moment as being an important one that helped shape me for what I do today and how I interact with “kids” during the children’s time yet today. (On a side note, I also remember the very first sermon I preached. I believe I was in college on this occasion. I preached that message at White Lake and Underwood (Yep, my first two-point charge) Someday I need to go apologize to the White Lake church for what they had to endure with that “first.”)
No matter what your profession is/was or how you focused your time and energy during your adult years, I wonder if you can remember the “first” in your life that helped influence and shape you for what it was that would later be such a prominent part of your life. I’ve heard a number of those stories over the years of my working with people. It is always interesting to hear of those moments that helped guide a person in their life.
What got me thinking about this is that just a few weeks ago our church had “Youth Sunday.” I wasn’t here for that Sunday but I watched and worshiped with the youth just recently. I’m proud of the youth for being willing to lead worship, to lead singing, do the Children’s Time, read scripture, take the offering, lead the prayer time, and even give the message. It is not always easy to lead in these ways in public. Yet our youth did, and they did it well. I don’t think any of them hyperventilated, like I did so many years ago.
I remember how much encouragement I received after my first children’s message and my first sermon. It was also that encouragement that helped me hear that still small voice of God whispering in my ear…calling me to serve God through the ordained ministry. I believe God is also whispering in the ear, of not just some of our youth…but all of them to serve God, not necessarily through the ordained ministry, but in some way in their life, to serve God with their gifts, talents, abilities, and energy.
I hope each of us take the time to thank and encourage our youth when they lead worship or participate in the ministries of the church. You see, the youth are not the future of the church, as is often said, they are a part of the church today…right now…right here!!
Pastor Keith