Find your rhythm

Rhythm can be defined as a recurring sequence of patterns or events. After 30 years in Japan I have learned some rhythms which keep me rejuvenated for long-term ministry.

Finding my rhythm during language school

When we first came to Japan, we went to language school five mornings a week in Ochanomizu. After arriving home from four hours of intense study, I was exhausted. I would take the afternoon to get out in nature or just do something different in order to rejuvenate. I did my studying later. That was a rhythm that fit me.

Different people have different rhythms, and discovering yours is important. There is a tendency to look at people around us to get our rhythm. We try to live up to others’ expectations or the idealized expectations we place on ourselves. This can be detrimental in the long haul.

Early in our ministry, I experienced a physical limitation. I prayed and had others pray for it to be taken away but it lingered on. The best advice I received at that time was this: “Joel, you need to go at a different pace than others.” For me, that meant a slower pace. A slower pace was okay. That one simple piece of advice liberated me to be who I am, even in my weakness. It wasn’t permission to be lazy. It was permission to be real.

I also realized the value of taking breaks from language school. After the first year of language study, we had two months off. During that time I approached a neighbor who ran her own yakitori stand. We were able to converse, and I was on cloud nine because she understood what I said! Even a small accomplishment like that felt so good.

Toward the end of our time in language school, we lost our first child due to miscarriage. That was a blow to our expectations, an interruption in rhythm. However, I have learned that language ability is not the most important thing in the world. My relationship with Jesus is. My relationship with my wife is. I needed to get those rhythms back on track.

Though the term “rhythm” was not used, our mission organization did help us keep a rhythm during our first term by encouraging us to focus on getting the language. What they knew that we didn’t was that language study would suck up our energy, and that additional ministry could create unnecessary stress. Their wisdom freed me to operate at a healthy pace in our first term.

Finding my rhythm in ministry

It took time, but I believe I have now found the place and the pace in which I thrive. This happened through understanding myself and my gifts, passions, and personality. Two workshops that especially helped were “Refocus” and “Personal Core Values.”¹ I became aware of how God developed me to minister to people. I realized what is life-giving to me and what is not.

I was also relieved to know that it is okay to use what you enjoy doing for evangelism and discipleship. Till then I had been trying to copy others and how they were experiencing success. The truth is that evangelism and discipleship take a long time in Japan, so you might as well enjoy that process instead of being constantly agitated that people don’t respond quicker.

My wife and I enjoy leading and participating in worship. Over the years, we have been able to use this gift together in ministry. This is one example of gaining a good rhythm by operating out of God-given passions. For four years we assisted a church plant in Tohoku. There, we were given the freedom to be creative in worship leading. It was very life-giving. Most of the people coming to that church were not believers and had no background in church. Any song we sang was new to them. It was rejuvenating to share the gospel with them through worship.

I have also been given a love for preaching in Japanese. It gives me a great sense of fulfillment to speak in the “heart language” of the people. I learn so much while preparing sermons and find the Holy Spirit changing me. I’ve learned that just as important as getting the words right and the theological arguments correct is to portray how Jesus and the gospel is affecting me. So, through the rhythm of sermon preparation and preaching, the Holy Spirit is rejuvenating me.

Additionally, I love to build relationships with people in their “third places”—where people spend time other than at home or at work. It’s where they go in their free time, or where they develop hobbies. So, I have spent a lot of time at onsens, tennis courts, and restaurants. There, people relax, let their guard down, and open up a little. I’ve had many conversations about God in those places and seen several people respond to invitations to church events. Just recently I got to know a young man in a gospel choir I joined. He said that his favorite gospel song is: “Amazing Grace.” That led to a conversation about the song’s origin. I love such conversations. I’m tired afterwards, but it’s a good and satisfying tiredness.

Finding my rhythm in Jesus

Jesus is the original rejuvenating power. He is the life-giver! When I return from people’s “third places” and see no evidence of spiritual fruit, I need Jesus to fill me with his life-giving presence. I need the community of Christians to build me up in my weakness and discouragement.

Japan is a difficult place to minister in because spiritual interest seems next to non-existent. We are not able to progress quickly in discipleship and church-planting. We may begin to wonder, “What am I doing here?” We need to understand how Jesus dealt with those same emotions.

What was his rhythm? I see it in various places but especially before he went to the cross. Jesus spent much time with people, but he also made no apology for being alone with his Father or just with a few disciples. Right before he went to the cross, he was quite vulnerable with Peter, James, and John, saying, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38 NIV).

Jesus had a rhythm of resting in his Father’s love, being vulnerable with his disciples, and ministering to people’s needs. How much more I need those essential elements as I seek to share Jesus. How much I need Jesus and other believers to help me regain my rhythm when I’ve lost my ability to thrive or doubt my calling.

It is possible to thrive in ministry in Japan over the long haul. It is a process of finding a rhythm of life where I can express the passions, vision, and gifts that God has given me. This doesn’t mean that ministry is easy. It means that ministry is fulfilling because I know what I need to thrive in body, soul, and spirit every day. It is a place where the gospel of Jesus changes me and I can express that with and to others.

How’s your rhythm? In what place do you thrive? What rejuvenates you? What do you see in Jesus’ rhythm of life that intrigues you?

1. “Personal Core Values” will be presented by Ken Taylor this November as a pre-conference workshop at CPI.