When I talk to most people about the work that I do, I often hear responses like, "Working urban kids, that must be tough", "You live in the city, are you afraid", "Have you ever been mugged"
These are what people usually consider at the 'occupational hazards' of my occupation. (Safety, bad Behavior, and Crime). To answer the questions - working with urban kids is about as tough as working with any kids, Yes, I am afraid at times (sometimes for real reasons, sometimes because of made up reasons), and No, I have never been mugged, (and although I do know people who have it isn't as common as some would expect.)
But these are the real occupational hazards of doing ministry in an urban community. They are: Pride and Cynicism.
Pride - because having a vocation that helps others breeds a sense that one has him or herself together.
Cynicism - Because the work is hard and ideals are often broken
(for further thoughts on these, see the previous few posts)
What are the ways to fight these to powerful hazards?
Humility - Humility is understand who God is, what He is doing, and what or piece is in His plan. For me it often comes through the discipline of contemplation. When I purposefully turn my mind towards God, who he is, and what He is doing, something changes in me, and seeing myself as the 'savior' to my neighbors is ludicrous in light of who our Savior is.
Hope - A response to cynicism. It is the joy of knowing that God is Sovereign and the Good News can and does transform individuals and systems. How do we get hope? I get it through community. I get it through Peter who has been doing community ministry for 30 odd years, and who still believes that God changes individuals and communities, I get it through Andrew, a 15 year old young man who's desire for God gives him joy amidst great pain. I get it from the honest tears of my pastor, and the genuine laughter of my two-year old neighbor. I get it from my wife who mirrors God's unconditional love.
How do you fight pride and cynicism (hopelessness)?
What gives you hope and brings you humility?
Who are the people that draw you closer to God and His kingdom?
Monday, September 24, 2007
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5 comments:
Good post, Noel.
When I describe to people outreach in the city, I'm torn between correcting the two extremes their opinions could land.
On one hand, it is often clear that their vision of a city is some imagined dark place of constant riots, fires, and shooting that it's best not to go near.
On the other hand, there are very real dangers, and I don't want them to assume they could just safely walk through any place they wanted.
It's a balance we must keep a constant eye on ourselves. The streets can be a very dangerous place, but we cannot abandon them.
How do you fight pride and cynicism (hopelessness)?
my life's work (parenting and being a helpmeet) don't allow for pride b/c i'm soooo unequal to the task without God's grace. my quiet times find me beggin for mercy and grace (again) and rejoicing that His mercies are new every morning.
What gives you hope and brings you humility?
i find hope knowing that one day this will all pass away and only God's truth will remain. we do not struggle in vain and there is greater joy beyond this earthly veil. as for humility...see above;)
Who are the people that draw you closer to God and His kingdom?
my vocal teammates (worship team), my husband, my children all point to God's goodness in my life.
as for your personal safety..."yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me..." Psalm 23. i know that in your "dangerous" part of chicago, you dwell in the shadow of His wings.
Noel I so appreciate the way you describe pride in a service position. I am usually the first one to deny being a sinner by pride but your description really hit home for me. Helping someone does make one feel as if they have it all together....This blog will help me further to check myself and to make sure Christ is really at the root of all my life and service. I appreciate your blogs so much and for the honesty and humility you display here. It inspires me, and I am sure your other "silent" readers to live out and realize our debt to Christ and mere humanity( which = sinfulness)
Don't know if anyone's reading this entry anymore, and people have already touched on it...
but gratitude is one of the was to combat pride. i learned this from the writings of Steve Gallagher (Pure Life Ministries who deal's with men's sexual purity issues)
Also, Steve Gallagher says that pride is at the core of men's sexual issues. So Pride while it isn't as "tangible" or obvious as sexual sin, NEEDS to be addressed. Or leads to the "obvious" sins
Also, another solution he mentions, and others have here, is simply serving others. Doing something for someone else can change your outlook on life.
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