Learning of Life and Ministry
By Paul Connair, Staff Counselor (2000, 2002, 2003)I served as a Boston Project summer staff for three years. They were summers full of 18-hour days, physical exhaustion, continuous laughter, crying eyes, brokenness, staff meetings I never wanted to end, staff meetings that seemed like they’d NEVER end, life-changing prayer, and long-term friendships (including my wife and the church at which I am now youth pastor). The experience was life-shaping in so many ways. No doubt about it, I am TRULY who I am today because of my experiences with The Boston Project.
First and foremost, BP opened my eyes to everyday needs and practical ways to help people meet them. I developed into a relational person and now find myself “reading” people everywhere I go, asking them questions and trying to get to know EVERYBODY on a deep level, even the cashier or the tollbooth collector. For six weeks out of The Boston Project summer, I met sometimes more than thirty new people at once and quickly developed an interest in wanting to get to know every one of them. I learned that ministry is not just for pastors and church workers; it is a 24/7 lifestyle that happens wherever we are with everybody.
Being at BP pulled out of me a lifelong calling to do youth ministry, whether it was on a full-time basis or just as a volunteer. It was also the tool that helped me and many other summer staff realize the gifts God has given us. Most summer staff plug into other Christian ministries after BP, whether it’s youth ministry or some other form.
Finally, I have probably learned more from the directors than any other. Their lives are lived with the love of Christ and I learned so much from their example and their words. Strongly consider and pray about serving with The Boston Project this summer. Placing yourself there at the mercy of God will truly transform you and make you more like the One we serve.
