In the great book, "The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind Shift that Changes Everything" the authors make a statement regarding, specifically, church ministry that I insist is directly applicable to those of us involved in youth ministry (meaning, how many "good" students who are trying to live right and do right are thinking, "What do I have to do to get my youth leader's attention???)
"But if we pour all our time into caring for those who need help, the stable Christians will stagnate and never be trained to minister to others, the non-Christians will stay unevangelized, and a rule of thumb will quickly emerge within the congregation: if you want the pastor’s time and attention, get yourself a problem. Ministry becomes about problems and counselling, and not about the gospel and growing in godliness.
"And over time, the vine withers."
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