With Chris Zoephel | I am an "anti-list-ite"

YAMIA is the youth and student ministries arm of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.

No, I am not talking about the sticky note lists you might have attached to the computer. I am not talking about grocery lists or Christmas lists. Nor am I referring to the little lists you have on other random pieces of paper around the office or around the house. I am talking about the sermon list. Which is more widely well known as the 3 point "to do" list given in sermons, articles and blogs from time to time.

Ok, confession time. I did, just last nite, look at a marriage book. I glanced at the table of contents and saw one that was about being a good father to children. So I opened up the chapter and noticed it had 5 points. So, instead of reading the chapter I just read the title of each point and got what I needed. The points were good and challenged me as I was weakening in one of them. So I went home and employed it with my son. But other than that...I am an avowed anti-list-ite.

For example, I just read a ministry blog. Two of the more recent posts had to do lists to correct some sort of common ministry problem. As I read them I got this overwhelming feeling. Not that I was overwhelmed by feelings, but rather, I had a feeling of overwhelmness (is that a word?). I also felt a little bummed. I realized that this is common for me. I am busy. You are busy. We are busy. The last thing I need is another to do list for ministry!

The good news is that these lists usually remind me of either how much their is to do and how little time I have. Which, in turn, leads me to the state I am currently in. One of prayerful dependence to Divine Providence.

So...thank you list. Maybe, in some weird way, I really love lists.

Labels: Miscellaneous

Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.