Need, Interest, Currency

For a few years there has been a Sylvan Learning Center near my house. Driving home from church Monday, I noticed that it is now empty and “for lease.” Whoever owned that franchise location probably felt like they had a good geographic. The neighborhoods nearby have plenty of kids whose grades tend to teeter on the passing line. Whether English wasn’t their first language, so they’re playing catch-up at school, or if they’re simply not disciplined enough to learn and do homework, students in this part of the world could really use some one on one tutoring.

But more, it would appear, was necessary for the success of the business than identifying a need and providing the solution. First of all, there had to be interest. The parents of the students had to care about their grades and the solution Sylvan offered. Secondly, the parents had to have the currency to pay for supplemental education: the currency of money and of time.

Five minutes home from church ought to be a short period in which to fit analogies for life, but one struck me. At our church I see several high school girls who need older ladies to care about them, to spend time with them, to ground them in faith, and to guide them to maturity and godliness. So a friend and I, under our youth pastor, are offering a small group. This would also enable the girls to get to know each other and encourage each other. But most of the girls aren’t coming. Either they don’t have the interest, or they don’t have the currency of time to invest.

What’s the solution? Should we close up like Sylvan? Is our tactic wrong?

To God be all glory.