If you've been going to the Rock for any stretch of time at all, you (or at least someone you know) has probably been asked about going on staff. While this has almost become an inside joke among Rock members, it is definitely an important question to consider. The Rock needs more people to step up and join the team to continue doing the work and the ministry that we all love so dearly. But not many people do step up (and I don't mean that in a guilt-trip way, I'm just stating a fact, since the Rock only currently has 5 full-time staff members). So before I go to training, I wanted to go through 3 reasons why I chose to stick around college for at least awhile longer and join this ministry full-time.
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1. This ministry has been a huge influence in my life, and I want to see that same life-change in other people
When I came to the Rock for the first time, I was pretty much a mess, especially emotionally and spiritually. I was burnt out on life, church, school, and responsibilities. I didn't really want anything to do with God anymore. I'd been living the "Christian life" for 7 years at that point, and I was tired of always feeling inadequate and worn out. I had started turning to alcohol to relax, and I was on the edge of a disaster in that area. But something called me back to church, and the Rock is where I ended up. I'd known a few people that went there, including Travis Sterret and Kirstin Schulz, so I decided to go one Saturday night. I didn't think about it at that point, but it was still winter break, so the Rock was extremely small. It wasn't much more than myself, John Drage, and the Swifts. But I quickly connected with Chris, and I have been coming to the Rock ever since.
During my time at the Rock, I have developed what I hope to be lifelong relationships with dudes that passionately love Jesus, and gotten to know several men that have greatly affected my walk with Christ. Guys like Chris Swift and Andrew Schulz are always there for me, and they have both been amazing mentors in my life. In turn, I see younger guys thirsting for the kind of mentor relationships that I have with Chris and Andrew, and when I see that couldn't help but think to myself, "Why can't that be me? God has given me a passion for the dudes on this campus, so why not stick around and help disciple and mentor some of these guys?"
2. Nothing else seemed to ignite my passion like ministry does
A couple weeks ago, I took a Strengths Finder assessment to figure out how I operate in a workplace environment. My number one "strength" was Belief, which basically means that I have an extremely strong and steadfast system of values and morals that I use to weigh every decision I make. In one of the descriptions of people with that strength, the author mentioned that people like me are likely to not enjoy jobs that don't hold a strong sense of purpose for them, which I have definitely found to be the case.
Last summer, I completed an internship with the 2013 MLS Cup Champion Sporting Kansas City Soccer Club. I liked what I was doing, and felt like I could work for a sports team for a career if I needed to. But it also really seemed to be "empty" work. I couldn't care less if someone has a "good" experience at a soccer game, especially if that person is going to Hell. It all seemed like kind of a waste of time.
But I have never felt that way about ministry. Whether I'm doing work for the worship team or getting stuff together for a community group meeting, I love how important and meaningful everything involving ministry feels. I know that I am doing it all for the glory of God and for the advancement of His Kingdom, and what better job could there be?
3. I believe I have a special passion for the city of Columbia, the University of Missouri, and the students here on campus
As a lifelong Columbia resident, I like to think I have a different perspective on this town then most Mizzou college students. I know areas of town other than downtown and campus. I've lived on pretty much every side of town at one point or another. I know local spots that most students have never even heard of. And through all that, I have come to absolutely love this town and the people here.
But with that comes a realization that Columbia is an extremely broken town. There is a lot of hurt here, and there is a huge need for a Savior. I see that in the homeless people that hang out on the street corners downtown. I see that in the mothers and fathers in my family's suburban neighborhood. I see that in the college kids on campus. And all of that stirs in me a huge desire to stay here, to love these people like Christ loves them, and to spread the Gospel among them. Nothing would delight me more than to see the city of Columbia and the campus of the University of Missouri come alive with joy and passion that only Christ can give!
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I hope that this helps give everyone a better sense of why I made this decision to go on staff. I can't wait to get to training down in Orlando, FL here in a few weeks and get done support raising so I can get back to working on campus. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about our ministry here at Mizzou!
Thanks everyone,
Joe Langworthy
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