In no particular order, here are three thoughts from a Rookie Youth Pastor.
- Our teens want to serve, but they don’t know how. I think of my temptations as a youth pastor has been to get frustrated with the lack of interest in our youth ministry from our students, thinking that there is no interest. What I’ve come to realize is that a lot of our teens do want to serve and exercise their gifts, but they need guidance or encouragement to do so. Really, the fault is mine for not being more proactive in organizing and training teens to serve- which leads me to my second thought that…
- Adult volunteers are the backbone of youth ministry. There’s a lot of stuff that I do on a weekly basis. But for all the “amazing” (note the deep tone of sarcasm) things I can do, I come up against my limitations more often than not. And for our teens to get connected relationally and to get discipled, it’s absolutely essential that there is a team of adults who are as committed to this next generation as me, who can talk to kids, mentor and train, and generally have an impact where I cannot.
- God must build it. I can create a team of adult leaders. I can share the Gospel. I can love on kids. But more than anything I am at the mercy of God who brings transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit working through His Gospel that magnifies His Son, Jesus Christ. May I work knowing the grave responsibility to labor for the sake of his Gospel and sleep knowing that God builds.