Should I stay or should I go now?

Should I stay or should I go now?

If I stay there will be trouble

And if I go there will be double

So come on and let me know

Should I stay or should I go?

These lyrics, from the band ‘The Clash,’ sum up a very serious question that many of us in ministry often ask ourselves… or should be asking ourselves… especially when it comes to spring break.

Should I stay or should I go?

It’s spring break here… and we have 8 different teams scattered across the country… but I’m still on campus.

In a previous post I talked about how short-term mission trips are one of the most formative experiences we provide for students… and so it seems like it would only make sense that — as someone involved in college ministry — who has sensed God’s call to walk alongside college students during a very formative season of life — that I (we) would want to be on every short-term mission experience with students that I possibly can… because we know just how “fertile” the soil can be in those places.

Over the course of my 15 years of ministering with college students I have traveled with, and served alongside, them — and have thoroughly loved doing so!

Even after I was married, my wife was graciously willing to give me up for a few days, or weeks, to walk alongside students because we had both experienced for ourselves the power and transformation that can accompany such experiences. Yet, when I got married I made a vow to my wife that I would put her [and a few years later — our family] under God, but above all else.

So how does this work?

Because we’ve all heard the stories, if not experienced first hand, the instances of ‘family’ being neglected in the name of “doing God’s work.”

So this [putting our family first] doesn’t seem to be a lived reality for all who are in ministry…

Yet for those of us who take seriously God’s call on our life to walk alongside college students, and take just as seriously our call and commitment to our marriage and family life, there can be a great tension… especially when it comes to longer hours, evening hours, weekend events or mission endeavors that can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in duration.

How do we respond to this tension?

How do we honor God in these two areas of our life?

Should I stay or should I go?

I’ll share some thoughts on this tomorrow… but would love to hear what you think!

Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below.