At that moment we both admitted that we had taken the group as far as we could, and it wasn't nearly far enough. We had depended too much on our abilities and personalities. In addition to our commitments to love without condition, accept where appropriate, and confront when necessary, we also committed to pray for the people we minister to. We used to think that the best way to move youth spiritually was to be with them as much as possible. We continue to spend time with them, but now have added the most important ingredient of all.
Prayer is the way to get directly at the soul of each person.
One afternoon after having lunch together and discussing the situation again, I got up from the table. Now that I am thoroughly depressed, I think I'll go back to work. I walked through the kitchen into the church office, which is connected to the parsonage. After a few minutes, Ann joined me in the office. She turned on the CD player and started to dance.