This is a series on the 6 values we have adopted as our shaping values for Harvest Student Ministry. We use these in many ways. Not just on mugs or on the wall (although those places too) we use these values to frame our success or failure on a weekly basis. The first value is
Expectant.
We approach each conversation and event believing that God will do great things.
It can become very easy over time in student ministry for cynicism to take over. You see so many students make commitments and struggle to follow through. You see volunteers bail out who said they would stay the course. You see friends in ministry lose it all through foolish choices. This takes an emotional toll and can begin to overtake your faith.
When we commit to being expectant, it means that although reality has shown that not everyone will love Jesus the way we hope, God is the opener of hearts and the ultimate judge. Every student who walks through the door will get our complete belief that God is going to shake their world through his word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Expectant preaching is unafraid of a lack of response, because God’s word always make an impact.
Expectant worship gives full passion regardless of the size or vibe of the crowd, because God’s spirit always moves when the name of Jesus is lifted up.
Expectant prayer echoes Jesus crazy promises, that we have not because we ask not. God has no lack of willingness, it is our lack of faith that holds us back.
Expectant community leans into vulnerability knowing that the beauty of being known and loved is worth the risk of being hurt.
Isaiah 55.10-11
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
yeah, baby. love it. love me some good ministry values.