Growth is all about continuity and new beginnings. (BJRE037)

Growth is all about continuity and new beginnings.

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)

There is a group activity that I try out during leadership training sessions. I would ask the group to move around silently and form clusters of similar people.  Then, it is interesting to watch how the group would react. Some would start quickly but then slow down. Some would wait and watch for a while and then go about with a plan. Some others bring together different clusters. In brief, among us, there are eager starters and faithful continuers. The challenge is, how to combine both these aspects in personal life and in our groups so that a balanced growth would be possible. 

Starters Vs. those who hold on

When, in 1978, Fr Fio asked the Kerala Charismatic Team to gather young people in our state, youth groups had already been quite active in many other states. Those early starters could boast of efficient leadership and colorful activities, but we were quite tentative and small. However, what stood out in our initiative was a simple affection for one another and uninterrupted continuity. A few decades passed, and when we looked around, many early starters had already disappeared from the scene while the humble yet continuous journey amidst us had branched out well with a name and was bearing abundant fruits. 

So we come to an important question: What is central to Jesus Youth fruitfulness? At the heart of it is a balance between two important aspects: promoting spirit-endowed creative initiatives and ensuring their continuity. But there is a problem. When a group grows big, journeying through long times, those who come into leadership would focus on continuity and may fear new beginnings.  However, the younger generation may want what is new and different. The hard thing is to balance between the two, as someone said: “Change without continuity is chaos, but continuity without change is sloth and very risky.”

When people ask me to talk about the Jesus Youth movement, I naturally speak about different ministries, groups, or other Jesus Youth ‘goodies’ that have grown and spread. Surely, they are the good work of so many people moved by the Spirit.  But there is another less discussed Jesus Youth list: things started in a big way but given up halfway. Some of them, like youth groups in different cities, many talent projects, media initiatives, and work for the poor, all began so beautifully with a lot of creativity but had an accidental death.  I am sure those were responses to some felt need and launched with much groundwork. But after a few gatherings, visits, or media episodes, there came hurdles, and finally, each had an abrupt stop. 

I am happy about the many things that continued and, as a result, produced good fruits. On the other hand, I feel a little sad about the many things that started well but dried up on the way. If only they could continue! Surely, perseverance or steadfastness is a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit that the Lord wants to cultivate in all of us. So, the big question is, how can you ensure that what you begin will continue and grow? 

Ensuring continuity and growth

Well begun is half done, but to build an initiative into maturity and helping it bear rich fruits is a special art and a virtue. Here are some thoughts on seeing a seed of good work grow into a strong tree.

 Look farther. We start many good things by responding to needs and problems here and now. Thus, seeing many needy youth in a parish, we start a group there. However, continuity and growth can be possible only when we see youth’s enduring needs or challenges in different places. Perhaps this is what the Bible means when it urges us repeatedly, “Lift up your eyes and see” (Is 49:18; Jn 4:35).

  During the dry spell, most of us lose initial interest after starting some projects. Our friends may also slowly disappear. Gradually, monotony, boredom, and a feeling that there is no growth can adversely affect the smooth functioning of what we start. The big challenge is to steadily move forward during these lean times. 

 Using changes for growth – Change is inevitable. But to respond to it creatively, one must attend to the promptings of the Spirit and mend the ways accordingly. So, if we are attentive to the Spirit, all unexpected turns in our way, including big persecutions, can become occasions for growth. 

 Combining diverse styles and approaches - “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The skill for starting something is quite distinct from the skill needed to build it up, hence the need for a hand-in-hand approach. Also, it is important to have some clash of ideas and conflict of styles. Prophet Isaiah compares God’s family to a place where all animals live in peace (11:6-9). But, of course, for this, you need much tolerance and ‘love for the enemy.’ 

 Search, study, and discuss—We should know good models from other times and places for smart beginnings to continue, grow, and bear fruit. Occasionally, we should analyze different aspects, and those interested should gather and discuss. This is how the future takes shape.

 Readiness to die makes new life possible – There is an opportune moment to end something, for a leader to vacate and give place to others, and to uproot something to replant elsewhere. Real continuity is possible only if a grain of wheat falls and dies.

So, real continuity is all about ensuring uninterrupted and continuous change and growth. This becomes the true work of the Spirit in our personal lives and in the forward march of the Jesus Youth movement.

 = Pointers for Reflection =
1. Share some Jesus Youth things you know started well but never continued.
2. Which type of people will ensure continuity?
3. Why do people lose interest and discontinue?
4. How can we ensure continuity, growth, and fruitfulness in Jesus’ Youth journey?