There’s a long list of last days, last times,
That restaurant you love.
That book your reading.
Your child not needing you anymore.
The last day you’re on the earth.
Even the world will have it’s last one day
Last night was my last night as full time youth pastor. It’s not nearly as dramatic as having your last day on earth, but it was still a last day and one I knew was coming for 30 years.
My last youth meeting came the same week as VBS was going on. Half of our students were working VBS and I told them via Instagram that I would have it no other way. It’s the thesis of my book The Disciple Project: more ministry, less meetings. How could I encourage anything else.
My last meeting was unconventional. It was like and unlike any youth meeting I had in the past. For the first 45 minutes we played spoons and slap jack. The kids and adults who were there howled with joy as cards and spoons went flying.
After this, I share my lesson, it was average. We sat around on our couches instead of the folding chairs facing the stage. It was youth service, family style. I was not the speaker, I was just another guy in the room, maybe the crazy uncle at Thanksgiving.
There was no swelling worship music, no slick message, just a few kids and adults playing games, learning together and loving Jesus.
Not a bad last day.
Thank you Jesus.