Seriously, we know the type.
The characterization of an “ambulance chaser” used to refer to a lawyer who actively seeks out accident victims to encourage them to sue for damages, engaging in personal injury lawsuits. It basically suggested that members of what should be an honorable profession undertook an unscrupulous approach motivated by the need for profit.
Yet, we have that type in our field… folks who chase after crisis, emotional turmoil, injury and damage. Chase after it? Actually they relentlessly pursue it, lights flashing, sirens blaring, pushing others out of the way. They often will do such in the name of the Lord, and might even use the technical term of pastoral care. But, what they are doing is something that impacts our honorable profession with an unscrupulous approach motivated by the need for personal gain of their own sense of importance.
It is a Batman / Spiderman mentality. They swing in, temporarily engage in the situation but soon enough leave their silver bullet (Lone Ranger) behind while bystanders wonder “Who was that masked man?” Enough hero imagery for you? That’s the challenge! The self-identify their role as hero, They align themselves as the Good Shepherd who sought after the one leaving the 99.
We in youth ministry can not fall into such a Messianic mind-set. There is but one Savior and we ain’t it. We are meant to be keepers of the vision, empower-ers and equip-ers of others in ministry. We are shepherd of shepherds, joining forces with the Avengers / Justice League. Have we properly prepared for crisis large and small? Are we in position to allow other shepherds to chase after the one while we kept others attention to the One Good Shepherd?
It is these things which are urgent and necessary on our priority list.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chase the vision; not the moment.
