Four Qualities of the Perfect Student
Matt quickly realized not everyone in his Youth Ministry Philosophy 101 class shared the same burden for students. This became crystal clear as he sat sipping his latte with several new friends after class in the school coffee shop. The conversation concerning future ministry opportunities was enlightening.
Steve, one of the more animated students in the class, began the conversation. “I am looking for a ministry with a high percentage of committed kids in the group. You know: sharp kids who will attend all my events and listen when I speak.” Bill just wanted students who loved to sing and could contribute to the worship experience each week.
Matt politely excused himself as he heard Brian say something about the “perfect students” being those who all came from good homes. Walking through the campus courtyard he heard a voice calling his name. Turning around, he saw his professor, Dr. Reid.
“So what has you so deep in thought?” he asked Matt. All Matt could say was, “Is there such a thing as a “perfect student”?
“Interesting question. I don’t think I have ever been asked that question before. However…”
He went on to explain to Matt four qualities to be cultivated in students if they were to become so called… “perfect students” in their personal walk with Christ.
- Open Heart – Is the student’s heart sensitive to the Lord and His Word?
- Open Life – Is the student available to do God’s will?
- Open Mind – Is the student teachable by both peers and adult leadership?
- Open Hands – Is the student willing to give anything to God He asks from him/her?
“Matt,” Dr. Reid continued, “this is my idea of the ‘perfect student’: the student who is open to growing spiritually. This is the student who is ready to enter into a discipleship/accountability relationship and potentially become a 2 Timothy 2:2 believer.”
As Matt walked back to his dorm, he quietly prayed asking God to give him this kind of ministry.
