Have you ever met a Youth Pastor who never had difficulty or challenges in ministry? If the answer is yes, that person needs to write a book edited by a serious fact-checker.
It’s inevitable! Youth Ministry is not easy because you’re dealing with students and parents and people in an imperfect world. Add to that the enemy, who is out to kill, rob, and destroy. He knows how important Youth Ministry is, so he is on the prowl. But you’ve got this! You can overcome!
What are some best practices to follow when difficulties or challenges arise?
- Go to God’s Word. No, this isn’t just the Sunday School answer, it’s The Answer. God’s Word has the best encouragement for your soul and the best reply to give to others. Just like a builder must have the architect’s plans and directions to get the job done, we as ministers MUST be looking at God’s plans and directions for our work found in His Word.
- Yep, you knew that would be in the top two. But it’s so important. Crying out to God and listening to His voice is more important than hearing from anyone else. If you find yourself in a difficult situation that you haven’t prayed about, don’t do anything else until you have prayed. Ask God to give you His heart for the situation, and then ask Him to show you His solution.
- Look for God in the situation. I guarantee He is already working. Don’t look for your will to be done, look where His will is being done and step in line with Him in thought, word, and action.
- Seek wise counsel. This is important, but it’s last for a reason. Go to God first, and then go to the godly, wise person He leads you to. Someone who is close to God. Someone who is further along in their journey than you are. Someone who has had their own battle scars who can speak out of experience.
And remember, you’re not alone. John 16:33 says “…In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Once you allow God to take you to the other side of your challenge, you’ll be a better leader for it, and your Youth Ministry will be better for it.
Arianna Eckart
Director of NTS Camp
Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash