How to stay Fresh and in Love with Youth Ministry
I have been involved in youth ministry since 1995. Been throught more ups and downs than a korean drama but it remains today the passion of my life next to Jesus.
Just want to share some thoughts on setting yourself for the long haul because that is really what it takes to build a lasting work of God.
1. Remember that harvest takes time.
There are seasons to ministry. No quick-fix-just-add-water shortcuts. People, like plants growing from seed takes time. Pace yourself.
2. Realise that hurts will come
Hurts, disappoints and offense are part of the landscape. Decide that you're going to be bigger than all that. People will abandon, backstab and disappoint, rise about it.
3. Don't be a babysitter
Don't just entertain young people, watch behavior. Don't let youth ministry be just babysitting. There has to be life-change. This takes relational investment and sometimes, the courage to make those difficult conversations.
4. Don't take yourself too seriously.
If you can laugh, you can last.
5. Persistence is more valuable than giftedness.
Youth Ministry is not a 100 metre sprint. It is a marathon. Doesn't matter how fast you start, its having the endurance to last the distance that counts.
6. Don't make excuse, make a start.
We are in youth ministry not because its easy but because its hard. And worth doing whatever it takes.
7. Keep it about the 'Why' not the 'What'.
The end of ministry is 'discipleship', transformed lives. Not running programmes but leading people in a growing relationship with God. Don't be caught up in the form and forget the function.
8. Keep developing your role and grow yourself.
9. Have a Vision that is bigger than you.
10. Don't compare yourself with other ministries.
Be inspired by others but don't compare. Run your own race. Ask yourself 'What am I doing with the opportunities and lives that God has given me?'
11. Maintain healthy challenging friendships
12. Above all, Stay in Love with Jesus.
Seriously, in the end, its simply this:
"Stick around long enough to bear fruit"
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9
Cheering you on!
Leo
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