From time to time we’re going to take a pause form the normal posts to answer a few questions from you: The youth ministry nation. Here are a couple we have recently received:
I’m just starting out! What are some things you did early on in your ministry career that helped you make it for the long haul? I want to be that kind of youth worker.
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Together for the first time!
ALL 10 – 99 Thoughts Books
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In your happy times, know it does get worse. In the tough times, know it does get better! A mentor once said something that stuck with me (Josh) early in ministry, “Do ministry with like-minded friends.” Friends are life-giving and will help you through the tough times ahead. Maybe start a journal of your journey with God and youth ministry. Youth ministry comes in seasons – you must continually refresh and renew. Whenever you sense God leading you, write it down so you can identify what you were being taught and what you think may be next. Look back and see your passions and thoughts written out and expressed – one of the things I hold on to most is the record of my journey with God in this calling. Know what personally recharges you and make time for that. Honor your day off and make sure you regularly unplug.
Where do you get your enthusiasm for youth ministry from?
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Together for the first time!
ALL 10 – 99 Thoughts Books
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There is most definitely a thrilling side to youth ministry – you have probably experienced some of it already. Both of us are evangelistic at heart, so for us – every time someone’s life change by the power of Jesus Christ, we feel like we could do this forever. Then, there’s times we want to die from the pain youth ministry brings. For Kurt that pain is every time a junior higher reminds him that he is old, short and bald. For Josh that pain is every time he gets nailed by a 9th grade girl in dodge ball. It’s in those painful moments that it helps to remember your calling…the reason you got into youth ministry to begin with. We would both agree that doing ministry with people you love, and always being mindful of our call are the two biggest things that have kept us in the game for the long haul