Learning the Essentials

Youth ministry is not my strength by any means. While I love being around people, including kids, I often struggle to know what my role is with Pastor of Youth as part of my job title (maybe this is why I hang out with the senior adults whenever I can). I never imagined myself in this position with youth.

So, I wonder:

How many fun activities must I plan a month? Is doing one lock-in a year really necessary? How much personal contact from me is essential with kids in a week? What constitutes a "cool" event for a person aged 12-18?

I'm often not sure.

But, I'm trying to learn.

I had an new insight last night about these questions I wrestle with. Community building is what is all about.

Throughout the summer, I've planned a weekly activity with the kids on Tuesdays. We've gone to Kings Dominion, out swimming and even to the movies. Often times these "fun" events have been tag teamed with a Bible Study. My kids really don't like Bible Studies. They barely stay awake through Sunday School. Last night, at this week's Terrific Tuesday at a youth's house, we actually played more pool and video games than we did studying about God's love from I Corinthians (which is what I had planned for us to do).

I felt discouraged leaving, thinking to myself: "What kind of bad youth minister are you? Letting them play games instead of doing something with a spiritual outlook?"

But, this morning I received a message from one of the few kids who came, telling me what a great time he had hanging out. (It is important to note that this is a student who is really anti-church, is made to come by his parents. Yet, has really come around to be interested in church again over the last couple of months).

Even if these students don't leave the youth program at this church with as much spiritual knowledge as I would hope they would have, my desire is that they know two things: 1) They are loved people both by me (and other leaders) as well as by God 2) The church is not such a bad place to be after all.

I hope the students with whom I interact with each week, look back on their time in youth group as one where they had FUN being with other Christians and at church.

I have faith that if they are touched by the community I'm helping to create, these positive memories will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Their time at church will shape them in ways they might not expect in the future.

So, our community the kids have with me and with each other is an essential for sure!