Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: High School is Tough
I’ve been talking with a few youth pastors lately about ministry being “tough.” You know how tough ministry can be- the idea that parents are disappointed with you, elders are disappointed with you, students are disappointed with you, your pastor is disappointed with you, and maybe even your spouse is disappointed with you because of the time (or lack thereof) you are spending with her (him). You may even begin to wonder if God is disappointed in you. Ministry is a tough and dark world.
I have noticed that we are quick to admit that our world is tough, but I noticed that I am not as quick to note that our students’ world is just as tough. Yesterday, one of my students told me that she has been bummed lately and doesn’t know why. She proceeded to tell me that a guy she is interested in is completely blowing her off, and that her friends are ignoring her and her parents are disappointed in her school grades. This sounds like typical student problems, right? We may deal with these students every day, but in this conversation, the phrase “High School is Tough” came out.
High school is tough. It was some of the toughest years of my life. I never want to go back to the days of dating, the days of test taking, and the constant wonder of, “Am I loved?” In the ministry world, I seek encouragement from others. I always wonder if I am “good enough” “equipped enough” “smart enough” or even “godly enough.” Basically, I need to know that I am LOVED. I need to hear this. I need to hear this from God, my wife, my friends, and my church. However, I am not the only one who needs to hear this. Our students need to hear it as well. They are going through a very tough world like we are as well, and they constantly need that reminder that they ARE LOVED, and I think we need to be one of those voices that remind them of that.
Who in your ministry needs to be reminded that they are LOVED? Go on and send them a text message reminding them of that. I believe it will speak very loud volumes to them.
Tyler Volkers is a youth worker at Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley, IL. Follow him on Twitter!
Very good post. This is timely for me as a few students either in our church or connected in some way have been dealing with suicide (at least 2 actual suicides within the past two months). The devil is trying to get at the students in telling them that there is no way out. Good to get this message out and in the open. The devil hates that. Spread the love!