Were Manuals End

I had been asked many times, what is FTPW? Is it just a terminology invented by Couples For Christ? Well, on the technical level it is. But there is in fact more than what the name says working fulltime. It is mission work that takes care of the young and makes it grow; it is called Fulltime Pastoral Worker abbreviated as FTPW.

Being in fulltime work for 8 years now, I have seen how the Lord had been using these young, somehow inexperienced yet full of passion and conviction FTPWs, to answer the call of the Lord and actually inspire other young people to go the extra mile and do the mission. I have seen and been affirmed by FTPW. It has become a vocation in itself. A vocation that prepares a fertile ground for the young, so the seeds planted can grow and bear fruit that will remain. This young people planted in YFC will be able to live out Christ and make a difference in the lives of others. FTPW also brings young people to a road were they can decide on the things that God intend for them. The fertile ground that allows the young not just to grow and bloom were they are planted but actually bear fruit that will remain.

Sometimes, FTPWs are known to be expert in manuals and strict in implementing them. Yet actually FTPWs goes beyond what is written in the manual. The manuals become alive because somehow an FTPW gives life to it. An FTPW carries the spirit of the important unwritten words that manuals cannot articulate. Were manuals end, FTPW begins. There are things that cannot be manualized. Spirit, passion, conviction, these cannot be contained in a manual. This is also true in any other organizations. Manuals, systems, mechanics, guidelines and memos can only go so far but it’s the people handling and implementing it that makes it excellently done. You cannot manualize leadership you have to experience it.

FTPW is an extraordinary vocation answered by ordinary people with extraordinary passion for the mission of Christ. We are the starter of excitement, vessel and guardian of vision, igniter of passion, innovator of ideas, grounder of conviction, trailblazer of something new and believer of unshakable Christian values. We are the preparer of fertile grounds and guide in the crossroads of decisions. We are FTPW.

(In the context of CFC Youth For Christ FTPW, a fulltime lay missionary for the youth ministry of Couples For Christ, an international association of lay faithful with Pontifical Rights.)

by aats