Youth Worker BOOST: The Imitators
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.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”–Philippians 4:8-9
Have you ever seen someone who’s really good at impersonations? If so, you quickly realize it’s not just the voice that these guys mimic. Those who do really great jobs of impersonating others are masters of picking up all the body motions and facial expressions of the person they’re imitating. It takes a lot of time and dedication to be a good imitator.
The question for us is how well are we at imitating?
Paul was pretty good at imitating. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul asked the Christians there to imitate him. It wasn’t his voice he wanted them to duplicate, it was his lifestyle. Paul told them to practice what he taught them through not only his words but his actions. This is a powerful teaching. But for those of us who work with students it’s an awesome responsibility. You may very well be the main person your students are imitating when it comes to their faith. How does that make you feel?
It’s human nature to feel uncomfortable when we read this. It’s a challenge to us all. Our students are watching us. If they imitate you, how close would they be to imitating Christ?
Our prayer for you:
Our prayer is that you would be walking so closely with God that you could confidently look to others and say, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” . . . and mean it.
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: A New Start
Next Week’s BOOST: I’ve Got A Secret
Get more BOOST articles HERE!
Very good, I feel I am one that can be imitated and everyone would be in good shape, I pray I am and will make a bit more of an effort. It does make you think though.