Six Reasons Why I love My Youth Volunteers

After six years of serving youth and families, I have come to realize how hard of a job it really is. Sometimes I wonder if I have it harder than those people who refer to themselves as "leaders" in Washington, DC. But that is a different blog.

I think the greatest lesson I have learned in youth ministry is the importance of training, equipping and empowering my staff. I have a great staff. And I'd like to dedicate this entry to them and communicate my reasons why I love my staff!

1. They are faithful.

Whether one student shows up or 10, my staff shows up with the belief that they are colliding with a God-ordained service and they desperately want to be a part of it.

2. They put up with my ADD and regular stupid ideas.

Most times they laugh because they are crying on the inside. But boy are they patient. They are able to look past my flaws, personality and crazy antics and see that I genuinely try and they are more than willing to work with me (even if that requires them to treat me like a baby at a photography studio).

3. They put their money where their mouth is.

Each of my staff members have invested in their and our ministry through their own personal finances. They even paid their way for a youth worker convention to San Diego because they wanted to get inspired, encouraged, trained and equipped to do what God has called them to do.

4. They aren't afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

I have very honest volunteers. They know they aren't perfect and they know I know that too. We are sojourners together. And I'm so glad that none of them think they are Jesus Jr. Otherwise they would take my job.

5. This is their secondary ministry but you can hardly tell.

I have many volunteers that are way more gifted and passionate about other ministries they are committed to but they match that passion and talent in our youth ministry. And for that I am grateful.

6. They are the fruit of my labor.

This is probably my favorite thing I love about them. My volunteers were once students of mine in the youth ministry they now serve in. Some people that hear that may think I'm just tooting my own horn (and perhaps I am). But another reason I state this as my favorite thing is because like I said at the beginning of this entry, youth ministry is tough and being a youth pastor is even tougher. So God constantly uses my volunteers to remind me of His faithfulness and that I occasionally do bear fruit. They remind me that I am on the right track and doing the right thing. They encourage me just by being involved and helping me out by sharing the load.

So next time you walk through the doors of Adventure Community Church or a Metamorphosis Student Ministry or On The Brink Ministry event/service, take a second to thank them for their faithfulness, human tendencies, and desire to lead. Not only because they deserve it but also because if they didn't do it, our students would only have me. Then we'd really be in trouble!

Who is driving?

I came across this article while surfing some news websites tonight (please read before continuing):

http://aol.it/otFFdy

As embarrassing as it is to find out that this happened in my home state, it's just as funny and a double portion of stupid.

We read an article like that and think, "How could someone be so ridiculous?" We start to question that person's sanity, judgment, and even parenting. We cast judgment because, after all, we would never do that.

Would we?

How many times have you found yourself in a moral dilemma and you actually thought of ways to justify an unethical decision?

If you're reading this as a Christian, how many situations have come in the last week where you actually entertained (or dare I even say, acted) on your own power, knowledge, wisdom, strength, experience, ambition, will, pride, selfishness, and/or desire?

My point is this: whether it is allowing your 6-year old to back a car up because you couldn't fit in the driver's side door or gossiping about what the pastor said to you in a meeting because you felt "assaulted" and someone just had to know about it, they are both wrong. They are different actions, but equal in disobedience.

Look at Jesus' words in John 15:5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."

Or even better, Matthew 13:21 "But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word."

When you don't submit yourself to authority, you make weak decisions that end up in pain. When you refuse to allow God to sit in the driver's seat and steer you through life, it results in head-on collisions and ultimately, death.

So, who is driving? Because if there was ever a time to call "Shotgun!" it is now.