Bridging the Gap

BRIDGING THE GAP

BY CARL DOESCHER

By now, I believe every parent who has a child over the age of five has heard about the world phenomenon called, Fortnite. It is a game over the past year that has made over 3 billion dollars in revenue. Additionally, many well known dances of this generation has blossomed out of this game such as the “Floss”, “Hype”, and “Orange Justice.”

On the other hand, Fortnite has been the product of frustration for some parents with children because the game is always at a student’s fingertips. If he or she is anywhere, whether it is at a friend’s house, in the car, at home, or even at the grocery store, the game is accessible.

Being in Student Ministry, this game is a common connection for conversation. What I mean is that, this game has been a meeting ground for me personally as well as in ministry. Personally, my dad and brother live many miles away and this game has provided my family the ability to communicate. Not only communicate, but to do an activity together that we used to do in the past when we were together, which was playing games.

Now I know you are thinking, “Carl, what does this game have to do with students in ministry?” I’m glad you asked. This is what I call, “bridging the gap”. BRIDGING THE GAP MEANS CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN MY LIFE AND A STUDENT’S LIFE. An area where I can meet a student where they are.

From spending hours on this well known game, I have been able to have quality conversations with students. These conversations mostly start off with “Carl, where we dropping?” or “Carl, come get my reboot card!” Either way, A CONVERSATION HAS STARTED. As a result since many students at this age don’t open up in person, this gives them the opportunity to do so because now we are in an element that they are comfortable with.

From what I can gather, some students are more receptive and engaged when they are playing the game because they aren’t having to speak to an adult face to face in a room that is quiet where it is awkward, but have casual conversation. Each and every student has their own element. If a person is able to find that element then a connection can be built. For some, it is when they have a basketball in their hand, for others it may be as they draw, whatever it may be, it is important to bridge the gap.

Doing this has allowed me to share the hope that Jesus brings to His people, receive real questions from students, as well as catch up on where they are in their walk with God. It is all about getting one step closer to a student by taking the time to figure it out.

We witness this through Jesus’ time on earth that He met His creation in the middle of their situation. For instance, in the account of the woman at the well, she was a Samaritan and Jesus was a Jew. At this time, Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another. But Jesus comes into the world and says I’m willing to get into her situation, no matter what the circumstances, reputations, or weirdlooks. As a result, the woman is able to have a meeting with her Savior, which changed her life forever. If He would have never met her where she was this would have never taken place and that is why it is important for God’s people to bridge the gap.