Joyfully Serving Teenage Girls
Leigh Lutz |
March 13, 2019
Leigh Lutz is a House Group leader in the Vineyard’s Student Ministries. She serves in the West Chester house and is responsible for leading and mentoring high school girls in their walk with Jesus.
How did you get started in this serving role?
It never once occurred to me to work with high school students. I honestly didn't think I had the patience for it and had no desire to find out if I was wrong. About 18 months ago, Eric Chesney approached me after a service and asked if I had any margin in my life. I said no. I was already involved in several ministries at the Vineyard and also in my community.
Eric smiled and patiently waited for the Lord to slow me down and peak my curious nature. He felt God had impressed upon him that I would be a good fit to work with high school girls. I agreed to observe but also told him that if the Lord wanted me there I would have to back away from some other serving roles as I was at max capacity.
As I entered the house in West Chester for the first time, I did not have high hopes. I felt like I was walking into the first day of high school not thinking I would fit in. I foolishly thought I was too old to be taken seriously there and fully expected to leave that night telling Eric it was not where I should be. But as I sat there with those girls, I realized, more than anything, I wanted to be where God is.
I want to be a witness and a participant to where He is working. And He is most definitely working there. I immediately adjusted my schedule and have been there joyfully ever since. I cannot believe that the Lord would allow me to share in this. And I almost missed it because I doubted that as the Scriptures say in Ephesians 3:20-21 that God can do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Do you feel connected to the community at the Vineyard?
I feel very connected. And that is a result of serving. I have been at the Vineyard less than four years but from the first week I decided that if God had lead me here as I believe He did, I would serve. It can be a little frightening to put yourself out there. It was for me too. But the staff here welcomed my desire to get connected with open arms and that moment of apprehension was well worth it for the blessings I experience serving at the Vineyard today.
How has serving others impacted your life?
Acts 20:35 says, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
By following Jesus' example of service, I have experienced more joy and fulfillment in my life than I ever could have imagined. The peace that flows through me with obedience is more valuable than anything I have ever achieved or experienced anywhere else.