Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: Stick It Out!
I’m in no way a youth ministry “guru” or veteran by any means. I’ve only been in full-time Youth Ministry for 5 years, but there is one piece of advice I’d like to offer for Youth Workers all over the world. STICK IT OUT! In my short time up here in Anchorage AK I’ve seen youth workers from come and go followed quickly by the mass exodus students that they were over! It breaks my heart to see a student connect with a guy or gal and get involved in church then within a couple of months the Youth Leaders up and leaves. The students often feel cheated out of a relationship and get a bad taste in their mouth about “church”.
In my 5 years I’ve wanted to leave my job multiple times but after much thought and consideration I would find that my reasoning for wanting to leave was selfish. Going into my fifth season at this church I feel like I am just now hitting my stride with building relationships with the students and parents of our Church.
Now I understand that there are reasons to leave a church but all I’m asking is that you examine your reasoning before leaving your students in the dust. Often we just need to stick it out and work through our own issues!
Darryl Nelson is the Jr High Youth Pastor at Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage, AK. He blogs and Twitters, like any good youth pastor should. Check him out!
