Ministry During Difficult Times: Part 1

Before I start out on this blog entry, I must thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement during our stressful time with Garrison. He is now HOME and doing very well! I've been telling people he's doing exactly what babies do...eating, sleeping, pooping and keeping us awake!

During our recent hospital stay, I learned that God can provide ministry opportunities even during difficult times...
I had called a friend of mine to let him know of a youth ministry opportunity, and he returned my call the day Garrison was born. This kid is "cream of the crop" in my books. I mean, he and his family are just precious people. He's been in youth ministry for a few years now (3 or 4?) and I believe God has, and will, use him in great ways.
So, my heart dropped when he told me, "Franklin, I'm thinking of getting out of youth ministry. I've never been so discouraged in all my life. I can't believe that people treat each other like this. Is this what Jesus died for?"
My heart immediately recalled some difficult times in my own ministry. There were dark moments where I felt the world was against me, and that nothing I did made any difference. I remember feeling like I had no friends and no support.
It kills me to hear of people dropping out of ministry. If this guy leaves, it will make TWO of my good friends that have now left.
Sometimes it's because of bad leadership. Sometimes it's because people are stubborn and won't follow a vision that's laid out before them. Sometimes it's because you've called people out for their shortcomings. And sometimes it's because of misconceptions and shortcomings on the youth minister's part.
Youth ministry is not easy. Caring for the souls of people can be a heartbreaking business. Many times you pour your life and love into people, and get "nada" in return.
If you are in that boat, hang in there. What doesn't seem to yield immediate results may be planting eternal seeds. Your patience and dependence on God is your greatest weapon.
Would you show some loving kindness to your youth minister today? (Please, I am asking this for other guys, and not myself! I am very well taken care of!!)
Write them a note, take them to lunch, volunteer to teach Junior High class (OK, maybe that's a bit much!) Tell them they are making a difference. Let them know you at least appreciate their efforts. PRAY FOR THEM. Pray WITH them! Spend time with them.

The Best Youth Minister

How old is too old in youth ministry? Are there years in one's life where they might be more effective than others?
I've been watching my youth intern and his interaction with the teens, and these questions started floating around in my mind.
There are times when I think...

• The best youth ministers would be young, single people. They have lots of time (and not as many bills probably) to devote to teenagers. But then I remember when I was overlooked for one youth ministry position simply because I was not yet married. Unfortunately, there are still some folks who seem to put more trust in someone who is married.
• The best youth ministers would be young, married folks. Notice the common denominator of "young" in these comments? It just seems like as a married person, I have more family issues to deal with sometimes, and don't have as much time to be out on weeknights.
• The best youth ministers would have grown children. Again, perhaps they would have more time to devote to teenagers if there own children were away at college, or working their first job. Plus, they would have the added distinction of surviving the teen years with their own kids! I have a YM friend who just turned 40 (kids are now teenagers), and all of a sudden he's getting phone calls...offers to come serve at this or that church and speak at youth conferences.
• The best youth ministers would be those who are up-to-date on youth culture. That way they can understand and converse with teens easier and more naturally. (I say "bust a cap" and my teens just shake their heads!)
• The best youth ministers would be those who are extroverted. They speak easily with others. They always have something to talk about.

On and on the list goes. Here is an interesting clip featuring George Barna where he describes his research with teens, and what they really want in a youth minister.

Do I have to be hip? Do I have to spend every waking moment with my teenagers? Should I be dynamic and extroverted in order to get their attention?

The way I look at it, if I can make an eternal difference in ONE life, then I'm doing pretty well. I mean, even Jesus took twelve, spent extra time with three, and was betrayed by one!

You can spend your time wishing you were someone else, but then who would be YOU? It doesn't matter if you're introverted, fat, say dumb things every now and then, or even if you're allergic to peanut butter! Be yourself. Know your limitations and your strengths. Celebrate them! Serve God with what you have instead of asking, "God, why didn't you create me to be like THAT person?" (see Romans 9:20-21 on this.)