Youth Worker BOOST: Living Your Teaching
ym360 knows youth workers. We know what an incredibly rewarding, yet incredibly challenging job youth ministry can be. There are days when your spirits are sky-high, and there are days when you could use a bit of a “pick me up” from God’s Word . . .
That’s why we’re happy to offer Youth Worker Boost, one of the many valuable resources on the ym360 Blog. Boost is a short, weekly piece of encouragement designed to, well, “boost” your spirits and encourage you as you minister to students.
We consider it yet another great opportunity to serve you and your ministry.
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.–Titus 2:7-8
Some years back, I took a group of students to a large youth conference where one of the speakers talked about how much he loved teenagers. He went on and on about how much he enjoyed hanging out with them at these types of events. He talked about learning what makes them tick.
After the session was over, I was standing in the parking lot. I looked up and noticed this speaker walking out to his car which was parked not far from our church van. He walked past several of my students, not making eye contact with any of them. Not only did he not interact with any teenagers, but I watched in surprise as he repeatedly honked his horn for those exiting the conference to get out of his way!
Now, I don’t know what was going on in this guy’s life. There may have been an emergency, or any number of things that precipitated his leaving as he did. And hey, we’ve all had our bad days, right? So, I’m not judging this guy. But, it serves as an instructive little story. It speaks to how our actions impact the effectiveness of our message. Regardless of what was going on in this guy’s life, I can tell you this: my students lost a certain level of interest in wanting to hear what he was saying rest of the weekend.
These verses from Titus help remind us that what we teach students is important. But our actions are also important. Students are making judgments on faith based on the way they see us live our lives. It might not always be the most comforting thing to remember, but students are watching you. And me. And they are watching to see if our actions line up with our words.
May Christ give each of us the strength to live what we teach every day and to be a good example for teenagers.
Our prayer for you:
Our prayer for you today is that you would be reminded of your actions and the effect they have on those around you.
Richard Parker has been a student minister for the past 33 years, serving at First Baptist Church in Russellville, AL for the past 23. He’s written a three volume set of Character Education curriculum for schools, has written “Character,” a year long devotional book for students, and writes Youth Worker BOOST, a weekly devotion for youthministry360.com. Richard speaks in schools as well as at various church and civic conferences.
Encouraged by today’s Youth Worker Boost? Don’t keep it a secret! Pass it along to a fellow youth worker or your adult volunteers. Share the love!
Look for a new Youth Worker Boost each Wednesday on the ym360 Blog.
Last Week’s BOOST: Chosen
Next Week’s BOOST: Running The Race
Get more BOOST articles HERE!
