"Three-Oh-One!"

Class 301 "Discovering my Ministry" is the Sunday School class I'm taking this semester. Although I took it when I first came to Ottawa (I believe it was my very first SS class at OCAC), I feel it is time to take it again to "discover" where I should fit in during this stage in life. Back then, I was just starting university and very gung ho about university life. I wasn't the best SS attendee back then; skipping classes here and there because of academic or social obligations (moreso the latter, now that I admit it). As a result, I never really got to discover where my ministry was and where I fit in best. But I managed to find a niche in Elijah Fellowship and help out there.

Four and a half years later, things have definitely take a turn for the good. I've developed a passion for praise and worship music through my involvement of worship team for student ministry and learning how to play the drums. I've also subbed in for a couple of people for ushering duties. I shared with the class during our introductions that the two areas I'm focusing on are worship and welcoming/ushering. But of course, that is what I want to do. But what does God have in store for me? That is the reason why I'm taking 301 again -- to find out whether worship or welcoming/ushering is for me or if there is another ministry out there that I could fit in. At the end of this class or throughout the duration of the semester, we will hopefully be connected to one of the ministries at OCAC.

One area that I know needs some help is with Children's Ministry. There is a need for Sunday School teachers. From what I see, helping out with CM takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Some people devote their lives to children and I can see that through our Children's Ministry Director. She's always at church preparing for VBS or SS or other CM-related events. She invests a lot of her time in the children. For the teachers, I see a real dedication and passion for teaching God's word to the next generation. The next generation is really important. They will be the ones carrying our torches and the ones going out onto the mission field when we are old and ragged. But is CM for me? I've never been really good at helping children. There's something about screaming and the inattentiveness that gets to me. And also, the fact that I can't really carry a conversation bothers me too. But what if God leads me to CM?

I was talking to a friend of mine last night on MSN about this. He said that it's wonderful that I'm taking 301 again, especially this time taking it as a graduate (non-student) and really trying to find a niche at OCAC. He's teaching Sunday School to grades 2 to 4 and he absolutely loves it. He really likes teaching the kids and I can see that he really enjoys talking to them and seeing them grow up to be fishers of men (and women). While he finds the prepping a little difficult and time consuming, he said that in the end, it's all worth it. He's asked me to help out in his class seeing as he thinks I'd be a good teacher (I think otherwise) because he sees me as a good people person. I told him that I will consider his offer after this semester; after 301 and seeing where that leads me to.