We are at that time of year — local association meetings. I know that when most of us who work with students hear about an upcoming local association meeting, we don’t exactly jump for joy. The meeting can seem like it will be boring and a waste of our time. However, these meetings can provide a number of things that should encourage youth workers and all of us to attend:
• A better understanding of our association. While many can’t afford the time and sometimes money to attend our state or national meetings, local meetings can provide an opportunity to learn about the workings of the Baptist Missionary Association in an easily accessible location. State and national departmental workers will often make the trip, knowing that not everyone can attend the larger meetings. From Arkansas state departments, such as Central Baptist College, to national departments like Lifeword, the men and women of our departments are working to serve the kingdom and our churches.
• An opportunity to learn from older ministers in our association. As our ministers age, it is important to take every opportunity to learn from them. Use the local meeting and meals to ask important questions — “Why did you stay in the BMA? What is hard about ministry? What advice would you have for a young guy just starting in ministry? What would you do differently? What is important to be unbending in?” There are plenty of other questions to ask. Even at 53, I still have much to learn and am thankful for the men who have served for numerous decades. Let’s learn from them.
• An opportunity to connect with others who serve in similar roles. Attending meetings like these is a great opportunity to find others who work in and love your area of ministry. For student ministry workers, it can often be hard to find others who love to dwell in the craziness of youth ministry. Try looking in your local association. Your beliefs and approach to ministry are probably very similar. Talk with these folks and grow in your connection. You can be there to pray for one another as well as partner together in ministry opportunities.
Let me encourage you to not view local, state or national association meetings as a chore, but as a privilege. We have the opportunity to gather with others and celebrate what God is doing through our churches. In addition, there is great benefit for those of us attending. Find out when your local association is meeting and join in willingly.
Join us in the conversation about student ministry at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity. We would love to hear why you are involved or not involved with your local association of churches.
