Youth Ministry Wisdom from The Sporting News
I found an issue of the Sporting News from 6 weeks ago that I had not read through yet (a member of our church got me a subscription to it and I have kept it running since) and was surprised to find a sidebar on college football that can be very easily applied to Youth Ministry. The sidebar is 5 things players should know when their coach leaves for another school. Consider passing this advice onto students when you leave a ministry position… I know I will be.
- Don’t Take It Personally – The decision to leave has not been made because of a student… in fact usually it is simply a matter of following God’s call on your life in ministry.
- Don’t Lose Focus On Classes – Don’t let the move distract you from your school, involvement in friendships, etc. It is tough, but don’t focus on losing your Youth Pastor so much that you withdraw from other areas of your life.
- Think Hard Before Transferring – Don’t just up and leave your Youth Group or your church because your Youth Pastor is not there anymore. Any other church you run to will likely have the same problems, issues and their Youth Pastor will leave their position as well at some point.
- Put the Past Behind You; Everyone Gets A Clean Slate – Don’t immediately dismiss the new guy or gal. Give them a fair chance and see what their passions and gifts are, and how you can plug into God’s plans for the Youth Ministry through them.
- Embrace The Opportunity – Take the time to explore other areas in the church and other opportunities within the Youth Ministry. Look at it as an adventure, a new beginning – not the end.
Not a complete or perfect list, but a good start nonetheless.
