Comments on: How Do You Define Your Role as a Youth Worker?

By: Andy@ym360

Andy@ym360 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:44:54 +0000

Drew, Happy for you. man. There is no better place to be than in the center of God’s will for your life. God will honor your faithfulness. We’ll be praying for you in your ministry. If there is ever anything we can do to help you, please let us know. God Bless!–Andy@ym360

By: Drew

Drew — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:32:46 +0000

Thank you very much for writing this! This week I start working essentially as a Youth Pastor to a impoverished, urban school. It really takes a load off when I read that God has appointed me to this position. He is not going to let His word fail at this school!

By: youthministry360

youthministry360 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:11:45 +0000

Thanks, David. And thanks for stopping by.

I have found that we, as leaders, sell ourselves short. I remember once years ago when I was a much more immature Christ-follower, finding myself in a conversation with a guy I had openly shared my faith with. He was complaining about Christians and the seemingly incompatibility with their message and lifestyles. I remember saying, “Don’t do what I do, do what Jesus does!” Looking back, I think my motive was pure: just wanting him to see a truly accurate picture of Christ. But, I my message wasn’t biblical! If we can’t say “follow me as I follow Christ,” we have to ask ourselves if we are really in a place spiritually where we are capable of leading young people.

Again, David, thanks for sharing your thoughts and for being part of the ym360 community. We’re here for you! Don’t be a stranger . . .

By: David Kennedy

David Kennedy — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:05:19 +0000

I am encouraged by this post. As I equip our volunteer small group leaders for the fall kick-off, they will be reminded that the students will “follow them” as “THEY” follow Christ. The responsibility isn’t deferred to the Youth Pastor. What a great Scripture to use encourage parents as the primary leaders in the spiritual formation of their children.

Great post!

By: youthministry360

youthministry360 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:48:23 +0000

Yes . . . Great biblical definition of our role.

I listened to Josh McDowell speak recently. He claimed ( and I am paraphrasing) that the difference between this generation of teenagers and past generations is how they view people living lives that do not match up with their professed faith. Past generations of young people see someone acting incongruous with their faith and they say, “That person is wrong. They are not acting in accordance with truth.” McDowell said this current generation of teenagers sees someone acting in ways that go against their faith and they say, “That faith must not be true.” I think McDowell is right on. More than ever, our actions must line up with our faith. We must teach Scripture, but we must be sure to live it boldly in front of our students.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kathleen, and thanks for being part of the YM360 community!

By: Kathleen Edwards

Kathleen Edwards — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:09:16 +0000

“Imitate me as I imitate Christ” is key, I believe. I think Micah 6:8 has distilled that down to key components:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God.

Justice, kindness, and being humble in front of each other and in front of God.

I am convinced that our teens may not remember the study we did on James in 10 years, (although there are seed planted), but they will remember how I handled a dispute with another leader, or how I treated them when they were less than fun to be with. We, as leader, have the potential to anchor these kids spiritually by the lives they see us live in front of them. If they see our love for Christ is real and our love for them is real, then they will know in the very deepest recesses of their souls that Christ is real and life changing.