The Goal Of The Goal
I’m reading a fascinating book by Dan Heath called Reset: How to Change What's Not Working. One concept is to find the goal behind any major goal.
“A goal is not an end in itself. The goal of the goal is to improve lives.”
Setting goals isn’t just about achieving a specific result—it’s about creating meaningful change. Goals should serve a higher purpose, not exist for their own sake. They're tools to drive meaningful outcomes, not just performance indicators.
We could feel like we’re in a pickle - with a dream to start a worship-focused, family-oriented gap year program in Costa Rica called The Launch 61, with NO PLACE to do it. Meh.
BUT…we’ve been asking ourselves, “What is the goal of the goal?” In other words, what is the goal behind The Launch 61? What are we really trying to do?
The book instructs the reader to answer that question and then find ten ways to reach the ultimate goal other than the first goal you had.
If we can’t start the gap year program until we have a place, what CAN we do that still gets us to the goal behind the goal of the gap year?
The goal behind the goal is simply to disciple and launch young worshipers in Costa Rica, helping the 18 to 32-year-olds move from young to adult and launch into a life of serving God, motivated by a deep love relationship with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Now, instantly, 5 ideas come to mind, some that we’re already doing.
1. Iglesia Bautista Fundamental La Gracia
I was asked by this church to help them transition from singing hymns accompanied by organ tracks (true story) to contemporary music. The reason is that they have gained about 30 youth over the past two years, and they want to disciple them by teaching them music and leading worship. So there’s a trainer, also named David, who is giving lessons to about a dozen of them, and I’ll be helping coach them once they have learned the basic skills. On April 27, our family led worship, and I taught the youth Sunday school and preached on worship. You can watch the sermon here: https://youtu.be/-sNUl0P-BJQ?si=\_vVWlhUNFiB-re0-.
2. Julian
Our church, Encuentros Church International, has a wonderful worship team led by Julian, who is in his late twenties. This week, I shared breakfast with him to begin coaching him. I left the meeting feeling so energized by the reality of the powerful impact I can have on his life by walking alongside him.
3. Clementine Helmuth
Yes, THE Clementine. My oldest daughter has been named as one of the student worship leaders for AMCA, one of the youth groups where our four oldest attend. This weekend, she’s leading worship for the first time (with Aspen at her side on the cajon), and it’s been so fun to help her prepare. Her voice and heart will lead a generation to follow the Lord with everything, saying, “I hear You call, I am available. I say, 'Yes, Lord, I am available.'"
4. VidaNet
We’ve long been occasionally involved in worship with our friends at VidaNet, the discipleship training ministry. I have led worship, taught, and even done a round of training via video for the worship leaders when we lived in Elizabethtown. I recently opened the conversation with Orelle, one of their staff members who will be leading worship for the VidaMissions program this summer, to support him and help train the team that will be leading worship. I’ll also be leading worship for the returning Vida220 students later this month.
5. YWAM San Jose
This week, I sent a text to the base leader saying, “I know in the past I have helped out by leading worship, and that’s fine. But where I’d really like to lend my strength is in coaching the worship leaders, walking alongside them, encouraging, training, and supporting them. If you feel that this would be a need or a blessing, let me know. 🙂” Her response? “This is exactly what we need!”
So, we haven’t started the gap year program yet. But we’re intentionally pursuing the goal behind it of discipling and launching young worshipers. Praise the Lord!!
Love,
Dave, Heather, Aspen, Clementine, Louis, Juliana, Huxley, Caspian, and Felicity Helmuth
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