Too many pastors and youth pastors go into ministry for all the wrong reasons. The wrong reasons often sound like really good reasons. I became a youth pastor because I wanted to help students whose parents had gone through a divorce. Some guys become youth pastors because someone helped them when they were young or because they just love students. A few people have decided to work with you because the lifestyle is attractive. No, you won’t get rich but you do get to do a lot of cool stuff and go to some pretty amazing places. All of those things sound good, but are they the right reasons?
Youth ministry isn’t about dysfunctional families or big events; it is about something much bigger and much more important. Unfortunately Youth Pastors have often been viewed as light weights when it comes to being pastors. It is almost as if the word “pastor” is just thrown in to make the youth guy feel better about himself. To be honest many youth pastors have contributed to the problem. Youth pastors might be viewed that way because they are better at coming up with creative games than they are at exegeting scripture and teaching Biblical truths.
So what is it? Why go to school for 4-8 years so you can work with teenagers? The answer is actually really simple. It doesn’t have anything to do with curing social ills. Instead it is all about the gospel. It is true students need to have positive role models and learn to deal with the difficulties life will provide. More than anything students need Jesus. I am not talking about His lifestyle, I am talking about His sacrifice. I am talking about the gospel. If you think you are being called into youth ministry or any other kind of ministry you should first examine your motives. Are you there to proclaim the truth of the Gospel or do you have a social motivation? The gospel must come first. Sure, you can help students navigate life and believe in important social causes, but those must be secondary in nature. Our mission must be God’s mission. Certainly God wants us to minister to the poor, the needy, and the sick, but God’s priorities put the cross and the empty tomb first.
Those entering into ministry must understand their role. If you want to work with high risk kids, AIDS prevention, or those who are poor do it. Just realize that those things are not the primary concerns of a pastor.
John Byrne has been involved in youth ministry for more then 13 years. His ability to engage, challenge and speak relevantly to his audience has led to speaking opportunities nationwide including camps, seminars, conferences, and training events. He has also written for Group Magazine & Youth Worker Journal.
John knew he wanted to be a youth pastor at the early age of 13. While attending Oak Hills Bible College he met the woman of his dreams and convinced her to marry him. After a two year honeymoon in the great state of Colorado he returned to his home state of Minnesota to finish his Biblical Studies degree from Northwestern Bible College.
John’s passion is living out the great mission (commission) in his life and helping others do the same. He does this through writing and speaking as well as missional living in his own neighborhood and community.
John is currently the Lead Pastor of Water’s Edge Church http://www.wechurch.com, a church plant in Blaine, Minnesota. He works with youth at camps and conferences as much as his schedule allows.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com