The Psychology of Youth Night
Check out another guest post I did for my buddy Justin Knowles a couple months back.
Check out another guest post I did for my buddy Justin Knowles a couple months back.
We are entrepreneurial, go–getters. We have big ideas and are less likely to be complacent if we have a hint of wind in our sails. We can be so driven that we even overlook what God might actually have for the ministry we are a part of.
“Vision” could be defined a number of ways within and across denominational lines. Not to mention, a vision in ministry can have a limitless end result. In the business world, a vision is anything you want to do. This is where the problem begins for ministry. What you may want to do could very well align with God’s plan, but your effort could also be the roadblock to God’s call on you and your ministry.
I was in church and heard an incredible perspective on Galatians 4:21-31.
Those who are familiar with Old Testament scripture might know that this is essentially the clifnotes version of Genesis 18-21 (if you didn’t know that, go have a read on that one too). The Galatians 4 passage describes two children of Abraham, and how they relate to God’s promise on his life and offspring.
What these two children represent is the struggle we find ourselves in trying to develop and lead a ministry. For many, God has given you a huge vision for some incredible things. But as you work towards it, no fruit is within sight. That is extremely disheartening. In no way am I saying that complacency and laziness brings about God’s will for our lives, but there is a level of perseverance that needs to be endured.
Abraham tried to bring about God’s will for his life to have offspring through his servant Hagar. Yes he is the offspring of Abraham, but God’s promise was to have a line through Sarah.
For those out there leading struggling ministries, be encouraged. If you have dedicated yourself to seeking God’s will for your ministry, your labor is not in vain. To those who are trying to “do it on your own,” let this be a gentle nudge tor what God has for your ministry.
Check out my guest post on my buddy Justin Knowles’s Blog.
Youth Ministry is who I am and what I love, but I work for a technology company.
You heard me right, I’m not a youth pastor. I, like everyone else, blame the economy but I don’t think that’s the full story.
I may have a degree in Youth Ministry, years of experience, and a passion for holistic ministry to adolescents and their families, but I have not found my place yet. I don’t think that’s my fault or the economy’s. I think it’s God’s fault I am not a youth pastor.
You can read that unpleasant statement however you want, but I don’t mean it negatively. I really believe God is piecing me together for that right place at the right time. This is His story to write.
I first felt a call to Youth Ministry when I was a little freshmen in high school. I can’t describe it or explain it, but the events that took place in a quiet room between me and my Savior have put me on the path I’m on today. The long and bumpy road of God’s will.
I have had interview after interview with panels, pastors and parents, but the doors have closed. Believe me, I question myself. I question my call. I question my passion. But nothing grabs my heart and soul like the opportunity to teach students and leaders how to seek our Father in heaven through a relationship with him and each other. That is what keeps me pressing on to find where God wants me to be.
So what is this space going to be? I don’t really know. For now, this will be a place where I share my thoughts and ideas on how to effectively minister to students and leaders today.
I’m not an expert. None of this is profound. But I will use this space and all of you as a sounding board to better ourselves, our ministries, and those we encounter.
