The Stage & The Pew
Over the years, I have often said my favorite part of rural (or small church) ministry is that, “The stage isn’t far from the pew.”
By that I mean the stage isn’t a place for the elite, but ministry is open to many. In fact, I believe small church ministry demands a “priesthood of all believers” philosophy in order to be successful. I’m so thankful I was raised in a small church. Ministry was accessible and expected of me long before I was “qualified.”
And the same reasons I’m thankful for a small church are the same reasons I’m thankful for a small college.
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“Twyla, I have an idea! Can I...?”
I have heard that line from students many times…followed by some idea for ministry. And, nearly every time, our answer has been, “Yes! Try it. Go for it.” Why? Because in a small college the stage isn’t far from the pew.
Our students have space to try. And fail. And succeed. And create. Ideas aren’t limited to superstars. I don’t need six levels of approval to let them move forward. I can often say, “How about tomorrow?”
Ministry demands creativity. And the beauty of the small is that it fosters (if not demands) such creativity.
Our students will find themselves scattered throughout the world someday. In big places. In small places. In far away places. In near places.
Wherever they are, they’ll have courage to create. And try. And fail. And succeed. Because in this little place, we gave them permission to do just that.
Twyla Kuntz
Vice President of Student Development
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