What do classical music, karate, and next generation ministry (NGM) have in common? At first glance, nothing other than the fact that the next generation might participate in all three. I mean, how does breaking one’s neck compare to listening to a peaceful composition in a ministry setting?
However, if you look beyond the surface, it becomes evident that these subjects share many commonalities. Music, karate, and NGM are all both a science and an art. In fact, almost any craft has an exact science to it as well as an art form. Cooking, teaching, engineering, nursing, learning, etc.
There comes a point in time for all us to practice what we preach, to apply theory into technical skill. And some do a masterful job at it! Think Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Think Beethoven and Mozart. Think Rembrandt and Picasso. These characters are more than just scientists who know the ins and outs of their area of expertise. They are artists who display something for the world to see that has never been seen before.
How about you? What field are you involved in? Are you all head and no heart or are you all heart and no head? The masterful represent the scientist and artist, the head and the heart combined, that proceed to use their hands to create a masterpiece!
Look at the picture above. We all remember the original Karate Kid movie. The film combines the art of karate to the science of music creating a scene we will never forget. “Balance is the key.” And how did Danielson come out? Simply put, he was the best around.
Working with the next generation is not easy work. It takes much time and book study to understand the trends, nuances, and inclinations of the next generation. It takes just as much time to invest relationally into the next generation at third places, schools, and church so one can stay in-tune with what is happening in the real world. For this last point, Josh Reid wrote a great book entitled Get Out, encouraging student pastors to leave their church office and to engage their community.
But when a next generation leader combines the science and the art, when the recipe takes on a flavor of its own, great things are on the horizon! A ministry of parents, students, and leaders are not just then doing church. They are being the church! A ministry goes from average to exceptional and the community and the church take notice! The artwork or image leaves a lasting impression.