On-Ramps and the Gap Theory

What do "on ramps" and the "Gap Theory" have in common? Both are references that have stuck with me from speakers during this week's CCO Spring Institute. Mike Metzger, describes himself as an "on ramp" when asked about his job. When his listener gives the typical "huh?" he says he gives people a way to get from where they are to where they want to be. Although he typically works in a secular corporate context, he came to enable CCO staff to engage people's imaginations through metaphors that translate God's truth into language that is coherent to all people.

Outdoor Leadership Team staff at our "Area Lunch". R to L: Emily, Joy, Francois, Jamie, and Paul (the Paul mentioned below).

Paul Harbison told us the 30-year story of how the Outdoor Leadership Team came into existence. Throughout those years many gaps existed between Paul's resources and the what the situation demanded. It was precisely when this gap existed that God was freed to work in only ways that He can. In fact, the bigger the gap, the more space God had to work! This is the simple, yet profound Gap Theory.

Staff conversations at a Spring Institute breakfast

These are only two of many speakers during these 6 days of our annual Spring Institute that have come to train and equip CCO staff to do increasingly better work with college students. Besides seminars, the week is filled with committee meetings (for me this means meeting with LDW instructors), support raising, shared meals, time to relax and connect with other staff, and much more!