Back in the days of radio and the genesis of television, a popular show was “The Lone Ranger.” This program featured a solitary cowboy (along with his trusty companion, Tonto) riding the vast range, looking for trouble, fixing problems, and otherwise doing good at every turn. The popularity of this show, and similar others, certainly demonstrates the infatuation people always have had with the underdog, with the one person who can make a difference.
Ministry, however, isn’t a “Lone Ranger” work. In fact, this approach is antithetical to the very nature of the church, which is about community and relationships (with God and neighbor). Nevertheless, there are many leaders who approach ministry in this solitary style—believing they alone have the answers or they alone hold the keys of ministry and growth.
Jesus said His followers were to be similar to the branches of a vine, and the apostle Paul likened the church to various parts of the human body (1 Cor.12). In short, we are made for community, for relationship with God and others; going it alone never has been the path God intended for us.
In youth ministry, there often can be a sense of isolation and rugged individualism, but these attributes don’t play well in the long pull of ministry over time. Rather, connections are needed—a deeper sense of community and collaboration.
As you consider your ministry needs this week, what connections do you need to make? What are the relationships you need to nurture? What parts of ministry do you need to give up so you can offer more to others?
