Thursday, August 11, 2011

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!


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