What does launching look like in ministry?

It looks like connecting one of your grad school students with the local FCA so that she can be mentored and learn how reach students at her new university and beyond.

It looks like walking beside a couple about to leave to teach over seas by giving advice on support raising and travel and packing.  It looks like countless hours of prayer and a listening ear as they walked the path of discernement, choosing an organization and a field.

It looks like listening to the heart of a student as he seeks the Lord in his future and standing strong in his beliefs.

It looks like stopping at a young adult’s house for dinner after losing their Pap and encouraging them toward the things that God has put in their heart and life eternal.

It looks like visiting a team of students who are serving overseas and helping them network and making connections with mission organizations that are on the ground in that country.  It looks like attending an orientation session and sitting beside a student as goosebumps go through her body and lightbulbs go off as she sees that this is something she could see herself doing and the eternal impact that it can have.

It looks like researching local churches in an area so a new believer that just graduated can find a body of believers to continue to disciple her and walk alongside of her.

It looks like a late night pep talk that God will provide in His timing as a student fears her future and feels like she can’t do what God is calling her to do.

It looks like meeting for dinner with a former student and her current boyfriend to ask him questions, get to know him and give my nod of approval.

It looks like meeting for coffee to talk though spiritual challenges and questions that someone has as they find themselves alone in a new community that doesn’t know them and just wants to know that someone cares.

It looks like visiting a young couple with their new baby and attending church with them to see where they are plugged in and  now serving.

It looks like sending encouraging notes to students who are at summer camp reminding them to be a light every day and that Jesus is shining thorugh them.

These are all moments from the last month of my life and many, many more as I have seen former and current students across the globe who are seeking the Lord and what He has for them.  I have spent hours walking and talking and listening to hears, guiding them and challenging them through difficult and exciting moments.

Launching is a term I use a lot and defines much of my ministry as I have learned that the current generation needs a lot of encouragement to follow their dreams. They want to know that they are seen and heard and that someone is behind them.  They want to make an impact, but they don’t know where to look.  They don’t want to do it as individuals or alone.  They need community.  They need adults willing to listen to them.  And they need to hear that they can do it.  And so, my work continues.  God leads, He guides, He opens doors and he connects hearts.  As one month flows into the next, many things remain and launching young people is at the heart of all that I do.