Raw Reflections of Youth Ministry

I don`t know if it`s the fact that I am moved every time I see kids I youth sponsored years back moving forward with their lives (especially if their moving forward in awesome directions), the fact that I was reminded this past week how much I miss hanging with youth especially when I know my old youth group is in dire need for leaders, or the fact that I am listening to Amazing Grace online by a young 7 year old that gives me hope, and encouragement for the future of the next generations ability and faith to carry on His will and plans.

I have been reflecting much on my time the past 9 years having done youth ministry. I miss it, and crave the ability to spend time with some of the most amazing people of our society. This year we chose not to take part in ministry, at least not on a consistent basis. I think to think that as a Christian you can `get away` without serving is crazy to me. As Christians service and ministry should be an automatic action. How that looks in different peoples lives might differ. For us this year we choose this year as a time to refresh and commit to ministry on small and personal levels. One-on-one, or temporary comittments as opposed to year long youth, or ministry areas. Diversify, refresh and refuel, and get prepped for another year of ministry to come.

I am encouraged when I see youth following Christ in an active way, especially if they went through struggling years with their faith or life wise. I am reminded that even though their progress, accomplishments, and choices are not directly linked to me that I may have had something to do with God`s plan in their lives. I may have been an impact, but most of all they have all impacted me beyond measure. Many of whom don`t even know it. I have learned more through my youth girls in the past than I have on my own at times.

Ability to grow, change, and adapt without fear or hesitation. An ability to overcome, fight, and persevere without judgement or popularity in the way of their choices. To make it through messes, chaos, and close to natural disasters and come out on top. This is some of what I have witnessed in my years in ministry.

I remember every time I saw youth getting baptised the tears that would well up or burst out. Even for those kids I may not have had the opportunity to bond with 100%. These kids making life long public commitments to their faith and not being held back by fear, but encouraged through their strength in Christ to walk them through.

One thing I always tried to maintain was an open channel of communication with my youth girls. I always told them whatever they needed, at whatever time it was, if they needed they could call me. I chose to allow them to have access to me as their leader any time they needed. I remember one night being woken up at about 3 or 4 in the morning by a phone call. I saw the name of one of my youth girls and was woken quickly with excitement that they felt comfortable calling no matter the time. `Hello` I said excited to be able to help, and overjoyed again that they had called. The phone call was some of my girls having a sleep over and testing out my `policy`.

I could`ve reacted in terrible ways and scolded them for calling so late without a real reason, or emergency. I could`ve given them all a hard time or told their parents, but instead I stopped myself. I chose to live up to my word. I chatted with them for a little while asked them what they were doing at their sleep over at such a late time in the night. They told me straight out that they were seeing if it was true that if they called that I wouldn`t get mad and actually be there for them. Now, aren`t I glad I didn`t get mad. :)

Those moments are amazing. How many people have or have had someone they can literally call at any time of the night to talk - no strings attached, no issue or question. I know I didn`t have that person growing up.Sure we have our parents, and maybe siblings, but are any of them going to pick up the phone and allow you to test their `policy` without giving you heckÉ Some maybe, but in general probably not. I love the insanity of this ministry. The fun, the excitement, the opportunity.

One of my die hard favourite things about ministry is seeing kids develop and grow into who they are, seeing them make decisions with thought - from their own abilities and minds, and ultimately seeing their faith unravel into something beautiful. Some kids get lost along the way, but even in those instances knowing God has this amazing `above us` plan for their lives, and we just got to see a glimpse of that magnificent plan. Who knows what impact we may have had on them anyway. Someday down the road of life something clicks, and maybe they are brought back to their youth days.

I am just so overjoyed that we had the opportunity to grow and serve some of the most amazing people living today. Not the next generation, or the slowly emerging generation but TODAY`S generation.

Those are my reflections of youth ministry for you. Thanks for reading.