Faith AND Patience

Microwaved youth ministry just doesn't happen.

Aside from my dreams.

Youth ministry and an adequate discipleship process takes time. Loads of time.

Time to build trust.
Time to cultivate relationships.
Time to develop leaders.
Time for young kids to become teenagers.
Time for teens to become flourishing members of the local church.

It takes time for the fruit of a ministry to blossom.

The trouble is, churches (and impulsive youth ministers) often want to see results yesterday. Or at least by the middle of next week. Or the end of next term (at the latest!).

We are called to minister with both faith and patience.

Faith that God will work in the lives of those we minister to.
Faith that what is currently unseen, but envisioned, will be revealed over time.
And patience to be faithful.
Patience to stick around and watch the fruit come into view.