I don't usually take requests. In fact, I never do. But, because I've had several conversations about this and because someone then asked me to write about it, and because I just realized something else, I'll try to tie it all in together.
Maybe it's because it's a time of transition for most youth workers that the subject came up. The beginning of school means a new year for most of us. But, I ran into a friend the other day who is not as blessed as I am in an area of their ministry. A few days later, I was chatting with a friend who works with many youth workers and she seems to hear more stories like my youth worker friend than like mine. So, I feel I have to share. I am spoiled. I fully realize and acknowledge that I have been blessed in my youth ministry. Why? Well, among many reasons, I have amazing support from my pastor. Before I was at my present church, I attended a church where I felt my first calling to youth ministry. After sharing that with the pastor there, I was very discouraged. To her, I would never be good enough because I didn't have enough school behind me. So, after awhile, I gave up. When I started going to my present church, and was starting to feel that tug again, I had those thoughts in my head that I could never be good enough because I didn't have a piece of paper telling me I was. But, that was not the reaction I got from my pastor. And, over time, I realized that he was different than my former pastor. Everything I said and did wasn't questioned and that he trusted me. Of course, if I ever have a question, he's always ready to listen. And, when I don't know what to do in a situation, he always helps me figure out what to do.
In the past few years, I've had some pretty successful ideas, some pretty unsuccessful ideas, and some pretty crazy ones, too. He's always there to help me sort them out. And, somehow, he does it in a way that helps me rather than makes me feel bad like I had been accustomed to before.
I'm not the only one who thinks this way. The congregation respects him and what he has to say. So, because he supports youth ministry so well, it trickles down throughout the congregation. I am always amazed at the support we get for fundraisers, mission trips, or requests we make. But, I guess I shouldn't be since they are watching the example that he sets.
Tonight, the youth who shared with me a few weeks ago that she was feeling called to youth ministry shared that she had changed her major and had just told her parents. But, she hadn't told them her intentions to use her sociology to eventually go into youth ministry. She had also told the pastor of her church. She attends my youth group but another church. Her pastor wasn't supportive. Her parents were less than thrilled. Tonight, she shared it with my guest speaker and with me. We, on the other hand, were both encouraging her to continue to follow where God is leading her- wherever that may be. It was awesome how my guest speaker, who had only met her, could also be encouraging and helpful to her. It was definitely a moment that was meant to happen.
So, as I thought about that after we left tonight, I was struck by my 2 experiences. I am hopeful that I can be like my current pastor- encouraging, loving, and wise- as I go through my journey as a youth leader. The possibilities of my youth are endless. But, I need to listen for God's direction, as my pastor evidently does in His journey.
So, where was God? I see Him in my pastor, who was put in my path to help lead me to where I am today. And, I am hopeful that God is putting me in the path of others to lead them also.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Maybe it's because it's a time of transition for most youth workers that the subject came up. The beginning of school means a new year for most of us. But, I ran into a friend the other day who is not as blessed as I am in an area of their ministry. A few days later, I was chatting with a friend who works with many youth workers and she seems to hear more stories like my youth worker friend than like mine. So, I feel I have to share. I am spoiled. I fully realize and acknowledge that I have been blessed in my youth ministry. Why? Well, among many reasons, I have amazing support from my pastor. Before I was at my present church, I attended a church where I felt my first calling to youth ministry. After sharing that with the pastor there, I was very discouraged. To her, I would never be good enough because I didn't have enough school behind me. So, after awhile, I gave up. When I started going to my present church, and was starting to feel that tug again, I had those thoughts in my head that I could never be good enough because I didn't have a piece of paper telling me I was. But, that was not the reaction I got from my pastor. And, over time, I realized that he was different than my former pastor. Everything I said and did wasn't questioned and that he trusted me. Of course, if I ever have a question, he's always ready to listen. And, when I don't know what to do in a situation, he always helps me figure out what to do.
In the past few years, I've had some pretty successful ideas, some pretty unsuccessful ideas, and some pretty crazy ones, too. He's always there to help me sort them out. And, somehow, he does it in a way that helps me rather than makes me feel bad like I had been accustomed to before.
I'm not the only one who thinks this way. The congregation respects him and what he has to say. So, because he supports youth ministry so well, it trickles down throughout the congregation. I am always amazed at the support we get for fundraisers, mission trips, or requests we make. But, I guess I shouldn't be since they are watching the example that he sets.
Tonight, the youth who shared with me a few weeks ago that she was feeling called to youth ministry shared that she had changed her major and had just told her parents. But, she hadn't told them her intentions to use her sociology to eventually go into youth ministry. She had also told the pastor of her church. She attends my youth group but another church. Her pastor wasn't supportive. Her parents were less than thrilled. Tonight, she shared it with my guest speaker and with me. We, on the other hand, were both encouraging her to continue to follow where God is leading her- wherever that may be. It was awesome how my guest speaker, who had only met her, could also be encouraging and helpful to her. It was definitely a moment that was meant to happen.
So, as I thought about that after we left tonight, I was struck by my 2 experiences. I am hopeful that I can be like my current pastor- encouraging, loving, and wise- as I go through my journey as a youth leader. The possibilities of my youth are endless. But, I need to listen for God's direction, as my pastor evidently does in His journey.
So, where was God? I see Him in my pastor, who was put in my path to help lead me to where I am today. And, I am hopeful that God is putting me in the path of others to lead them also.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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