Last August I mentioned on this blog that I was beginning a new season of developing a middle school student worship band at my church. I havent mentioned it much since then, in part to protect students and not make the team an agenda item for the blog. But also in part because weve been moving along slowlybuilding skill, building confidence, building an understanding of worship, building a team dynamic, and building enthusiasm. None of it happened instantly or dramatically.

In todays E-Journal, were sharing an interview with Scott Rubin on middle school ministry. I really appreciated Scotts comment about redefining what success looks like in middle school ministry by looking for the little wins, the moments where we glimpse hope that something is connecting or making a small difference. Ive noticed that lately in my little music group. Someone feeling free enough to raise their hand in worship, someone else suggesting a new song to learn, and the group getting excited about leading the congregation later this month in all-church worship. They seem like small things, but in this context theyre potential catalysts for new growth.

What little wins can you identify this week to remind you to be hopeful in the midst of what sometimes may seem like slow growth?