Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I stay there will be trouble
And if I go there will be double
So come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
These lyrics from the band 'The Clash' sum a very serious question that many of us in ministry often ask ourselves... or should be asking ourselves...
Should I stay or should I go?
I mentioned in a post yesterday on my other blog that I am headed to New York City with a group of students for spring break... and that this is the first spring break in the past few years that I have done so.
In a post from earlier this week, on this blog, I talked about short-term mission trips as one of the most formative experiences we provide for students... and so it seems like it would only make sense that as someone involved in college ministry - who has sensed God's call to walk alongside college students during a very formative season of life - that I/we would want to be on every short-term mission experience with students that we possibly can... because we know just how 'fertile the soil can be' in those places.
Yes, aside from the past few years, I have traveled with, and served alongside, students over spring break all over the U.S. dating back to the mid-90s.
Even after I was married, my wife was graciously willing to give me up for a few days, or weeks, to walk alongside students because we had both experienced for ourselves the power and transformation that can accompany such experiences. Yet, when I got married I made a vow to my wife that I would put her [and a few years later - our family] under God, but above all else.
But how does this work?
We've all heard stories, if not experienced first hand, instances of 'family' being neglected in the name of 'ministry.' So this [putting our family first] doesn't seem to be a lived reality for all who are in ministry...
So for those of us who take seriously God's call on our life to walk alongside college students, and take just as seriously our call and commitment to our marriage vows and family life, there can be a great tension... especially when it comes to longer hours, evening hours, weekend events or mission endeavors that can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in duration.
How do we respond to this tension?
How do we honor God in these two areas of our life?
Should I stay or should I go?
I'll give some thoughts on this tomorrow... but would love to hear what you think!
