Teens
A Reason To Stay (For Youth Leaders)
As a youth leader on a local and district level, the topic of longevity in youth ministry comes up often. Many good reasons to stay abound. We get to know the people in our church, we get to know the church leadership and staff more closely and we develop relationships with these people who are instrumental in advancing the ministry.
One youth pastor I heard about has developed such a good relationship with the principal of the local high school that he’s now able to do almost anything he wants within that school. He, and those who know him, attributes this to his longevity.
Other great reasons exist, but I want to explore one very good reason. This reason applies to those who are genuinely called to youth ministry and have a true heart for students. Students desire and need, as we all do, ongoing, enduring relationships.
When I came to the church where I youth pastor now, I was the third youth pastor that some of those students had encountered. Needless to say building relationships with some of them involved a long process. I won’t judge those who left before after such a short time—one stayed only ten months—however the students suffered an impact some of which still remains today.
Students have asked my wife and me such questions as “How long are you guys staying?”
The only way to convince students that we are going to stay is by—staying. We all have need for long lasting, ongoing relationships like the one Jesus offers when he said I will never leave you or forsake you.
Obviously we cannot be with them forever like Jesus but we can do as good a job as possible mirroring Him. Faith is a key to staying where you are, because many seemingly good reasons happen along the way that make us want to run and never look back. I know because I have been in that place many times. My love for students has caused me to weather a few storms, because they do not need another upset or severed tie.
So maybe the thought of leaving has crossed your mind and you are at a place where you want to leave—I hope you will reconsider and remember we all need ongoing, lasting relationships we can count on—especially teens. If you can provide that, eventually you will become ‘tops’ with your students and will experience and enjoy the many other benefits of longevity
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 1820 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Mark Stidham or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 1820 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.