In 2004 I was the camp pastor at a youth camp all summer in Daytona Beach. The campus where I lived all summer had a high dive. I’m not talking about a board that was a little higher than an average board and had a little bit more bounce. I’m talking about a genuine high dive.
High.
Climbing the steps was an aerobic activity. High.
Steep.
I remember every week the students would see the board and their eyes became like saucers. “No way! A high dive!”
But without fail, there was always some hesitation the first time everyone jumped off the board. Even the most athletic kid at camp you would see a split second of doubt, hesitation and fear right before they jumped.
Why?
The only reason they feared was the unknown and the what if?
What if…
… I completely bust.
… everyone laughs at my lame dive.
…this really hurts.
…i slip.
…i cry.
…what if……
But it’s worth climbing the stairs, walking down a long blue bouncing board and jumping for the reward. Falling thru the air, splashing into the water, hearing your friends scream and clap is a rush. A rush that cannot be experienced unless you take a risk and go for it.
This fall we are going to ask you to take a risk. Be involved in ways we’ve never asked you to be involved. Ask you to know students and Christ in ways that maybe you’ve never experienced.
There will be lots of questions. There will be lots of what ifs…
What if…
…they don’t like me.
… i don’t click with the group.
…they probably know more about the bible than me.
… they all already know each other.
…i don’t understand.
…they don’t want me in their community group.
…what if?
But I promise you, until you are willing to take the risk you won’t know the reward of living the Christian life in a community of believers.
So get prepared to jump.
This Sunday at 7pm in the high school room come find out how you can jump on in!
