Does God Call You to things You are not Equipped for?

I'm about to find out.

For those of you who don't know, Montreat is a Presbyterian conference center just outside Black Mountain, North Carolina. Every summer, it hosts six weeks of youth conferences.

Leadership is divided into two-week rotations. I'm here for the final two weeks--what we call Omega, naturally.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in several different roles. I've been a conference pastor, a recreation leader, and a keynote speaker.

This year, though, I'm the Innie Co-Director—which means I'm responsible for everything that happens inside the auditorium. Basically worship and keynote.

If you know me, you know this isn't exactly my wheelhouse.

Directing requires organization. Attention to detail. Logistics. Planning.

And here's the best part: there isn't a manual or even a to-do list for being a co-director.

These conferences have been happening for decades, yet somehow there's no step-by-step guide for the job. My theory is that if there were, no one would ever volunteer. (Did I mention this is, in fact, a volunteer position?)

The person originally asked to fill this role had to step back, and someone else was needed.

My first answer was no.

Then they asked me to think about it. To pray about it.

Eventually, my answer became yes.

Why did I say yes?

Because darn it, I know what happens here.

I've seen faith deepen. I've watched lifelong friendships begin. I've seen adults return home with renewed hope for ministry. These youth conference weeks are downright transformative for many of the youth who attend.

So I said yes. Because supporting something special sometimes means stretching out of your comfort zone. And because most people are not in a position to devote 2 1/2 weeks of their time to such an endeavor, but I am.

The good news is that I'm not doing this alone.

I've got a fantastic planning team filled with people who ARE organized and detail-oriented. We have one of my favorite preachers leading worship, an outstanding keynote speaker, fabulous music leadership and one of the young men I baptized years ago co-leading recreation.

So if you think of it over the next couple of weeks, I'd appreciate your prayers—for our leadership team, for the back home leaders who bring youth and especially for the hundreds of young people who will come with their hopes, fears, questions and ideas.

And if an opportunity to lead or serve or help out comes your way this week, maybe don't dismiss it out of hand because you don't feel qualified. The Bible is full of stories of God calling people who didn't have the slightest idea what they were getting into.