Modern BelieverCulture Changes. God Doesn't.

I got a pretty good taste of youth ministry as one of the head youth leaders in a community youth group for 3 years. There were a lot of very unique challenges, the least of which had to do with the kids. Multiple churches being involved, with volunteers from several denominations, each with their own thought process often made things … interesting. It didn’t help that some of the most vocal complainers hadn’t done any significant work with youth in the church since the ’80s.

Nevertheless, it was an experience I cherish, and has helped me a lot in my personal walk, just by the unique challenges that forced me out of my comfort zone. Now that I’ve moved to a much bigger town, and a much bigger church, I spend a significant amount of time trying to make life easier for the youth pastor. With my own experience running things, especially the setup and cleanup for each and every event, I know how valuable a reliable helper can be, and I do my best to be that helper, and allow him to put more focus on the kids, instead of the chairs.

Life In Student Ministry has been a valuable resource for me, and I suspect those being paid to work with youth find it just as valuable. Recently they put together a list of things to be wary of when looking at your next church. Some biggies follow.

1. Yeah, we have our vision statement written down somewhere. Hold on, let us find it and we’ll get back to you.

5. The salary might not look good on paper, but there are many other benefits to this job than money.

6. Will your wife lead a small group of girls?

9. Are you an outreach guy or a discipleship guy?

13. We’ve had three bad youth pastors over the past three years.

15. From sr. pastor, “This is my church. I run my church. Welcome to my church.” And other repeated usage of the phrase, “my church.”