Youth Worker BOOST: Listen Up

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.

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"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."--James 1:19

I have always loved to talk. I still hold the record at Tillinghurst Elementary School in Columbus, GA for 36 straight report cards with the same comment from teachers: “Richard talks too much.” My dad had to always remind me that God gave us two ears but just one mouth for a reason: So we could listen with our ears twice as much as we talk with our mouth.

Maybe you're like me. If so, James has some good words for us to consider.

In the passage today, James reminds us that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. These are great words for those of us who work with students. Sometimes we are so interested in giving wise counsel to a teenager that we forget to listen to what they have to say.Talking comes very natural to most youth ministers. But listening is definitely an art.

It’s awesome to be a great communicator, but I think the best youth ministers are the ones who are really good listeners.

Our prayer for you: Our prayer for you today is simple: that you would slow down and listen. Just listen.

Last Week's BOOST: Heartfelt Words

Next Week's BOOST: Confident Prayers

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