By the Rev. Aaron Buttery, C4SO’s NextGen Leader

Welcome to August, the close of summer, and the possibility inherent in a new school year. Transitioning from summer student ministry to school-year student ministry can be challenging: There is a change of student availability, a different pace of moments together, and the unique distractions and draws of academics, athletics, arts and more. This transition requires a shift in how we lead our student ministries. It also requires an awareness of our own spiritual, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. I hope to encourage you to step into this school year aware of holy possibility beginning in you and radiating through your student ministry.

Awakening holy possibility is simply stepping into the already-not-yet dynamic of God’s kingdom in such a way that you and others experience God’s will, presence and love. Holy possibility is humbling; it requires admitting that in our own power, intelligence, or effort, we cannot achieve holiness. Holy possibility is awakening to God’s movement and how we can join him in it. 

As you explore and try out these three practices, remember they are not formulaic or forced. They are simple practices and postures to cultivate awareness of what God is doing—now and always—to welcome you and your students into his kingdom.

Awakening Holy Possibility Practice #1: Return to scripture to awaken your imagination of what is possible because of God.

You may have a favorite passage that points to the holy possibility inherent in God’s kingdom, or perhaps you can try a few of the suggestions below. Read, reflect, write, or doodle about how your life, ministry, or community would shift if it reflected the kingdom more fully today.

Scripture suggestions: Exodus 15:1-18 (Miriam’s Song), Joshua 1:1-9 (Strong and Courageous), Psalm 145 (Exaltabo te, Deus), Habbakuk 2:1-3 (Stand at My Watch), Luke 2:46-55 (Mary’s Song); Matthew 4:1-17 (Jesus’s First Sermon), Matthew 13:1-9 (Parable of the Sower), Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of Workers in the Vineyard), John 14:15-21 (The Holy Spirit Promised), Acts 2:42-47 (Common Life), Jude 21-22 (Keep Yourself in God’s Love); Revelation 21:22—22:5 (The Holy City).

Awakening Holy Possibility Practice #2: Remember that you are not alone, and not meant to do this work alone.

Every leader that I speak with, from bishop to small group leader, shares their hope and need for more people to join what Jesus is doing. Sometimes I hear student pastors express this by saying they need more volunteers or asking about how to improve their recruiting skills. And sure, there are ways to do this. But the holy possibility comes with joining Jesus in Luke 10:2. “(Jesus) told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” This is one of the few places we hear Jesus telling us how to pray. 

Will you try something with me this semester? Set an alarm for 10:02 a.m. each day. When it goes off, pray for people to join you in loving and leading young people to Jesus. If you are in a meeting, ask your fellow attendees to pray with you. You can do this in the car, at the dentist, on a Zoom call, or wherever you find yourself. I am setting my alarm right now to do this with you!

Awakening Holy Possibility Practice #3: Tell stories and invite students to tell stories of where they are seeing God each week.

In my student ministry, we call these Glory Sightings, but you can rename them if you want. Weekly, we have students and adult leaders tell simple, profound, and stream-of-consciousness stories of where they encountered God and his glory. Invite your students into the practice of becoming aware that God is living and active, and that they have the senses to recognize him. Seize the opportunity to proclaim that God is filling heaven and earth with his glory. 

We can tell those stories together and even share them with the diocese. If you had a full summer of witnessing God’s glory, experiencing students meeting Jesus, and creating kingdom memories with your young people, I would love to hear your story—please reach out to me at aaron@c4so.org to celebrate what happened this summer with your students.

 In the three practices above, you can see how awakening holy possibility forms a reinforcing feedback loop—from scripture, through new leaders, to hearing students proclaim the witness of God’s kingdom. This semester, let us step into a season of awakening holy possibility together.

If I can support your student ministry in any way, please complete this simple form.

Aaron Buttery leads and facilitates C4SO’s NextGen Leadership team and serves as Director of Student Ministry, Next Generation Leadership, ACNA. As a 20+ year NextGen ministry leader, a two-time church planter, and leadership coach with Spiritual Leadership, Inc., he is the primary contact in C4SO for questions, ideas, and excitement about young people and growing young leaders. Contact him at aaron@c4so.org.