Thanks for sharing Ken… I wrote this for me hoping that it would encourage someone else. I think one of the hardest things for youth pastors to realize is you need help. You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be the best you to those who need you to be you. So great job!! Also, #6 is definitely something that has to be placed in check everyday for all of us.

ac

Thanks for sharing Ken… I wrote this for me hoping that it would encourage someone else. I think one of the hardest things for youth pastors to realize is you need help. You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be the best you to those who need you to be you. So great job!! Also, #6 is definitely something that has to be placed in check everyday for all of us.

ac

The article is timely. For me, the biggest struggle is #4. I’ve been trying for years to build bridges & relationships with the youth so I could be effective as a counsellor. I believe that is something they desperately need in addition to sound Bible teaching. Despite all my efforts and prayer focus, they just don’t see me as someone approachable. When I’ve tried to initiate a 1-1 conversation, these kids look like a cornered animals! I finally reached the point where I’m ready to admit that I’m not that guy. Why should they see me as approachable? Not many people do outside of church either. I’m a teacher and a story teller. That’s my thing. The kids appreciate me in a group setting, but not 1-on-1. I’ll admit, I’m better at talking than I am at listening.

To borrow one from Popeye, I yam what I yam. I’ve stopped praying that I could become good at the councelling thing, and I’ve started praying that God would send me some ministry partners that are. It didn’t take long for Him to send me 2 people- and I’ve already observed one of them making some headway. Praise God! Now all I have to do is not lose any traction on #6. :^)

The article is timely. For me, the biggest struggle is #4. I’ve been trying for years to build bridges & relationships with the youth so I could be effective as a counsellor. I believe that is something they desperately need in addition to sound Bible teaching. Despite all my efforts and prayer focus, they just don’t see me as someone approachable. When I’ve tried to initiate a 1-1 conversation, these kids look like a cornered animals! I finally reached the point where I’m ready to admit that I’m not that guy. Why should they see me as approachable? Not many people do outside of church either. I’m a teacher and a story teller. That’s my thing. The kids appreciate me in a group setting, but not 1-on-1. I’ll admit, I’m better at talking than I am at listening.

To borrow one from Popeye, I yam what I yam. I’ve stopped praying that I could become good at the councelling thing, and I’ve started praying that God would send me some ministry partners that are. It didn’t take long for Him to send me 2 people- and I’ve already observed one of them making some headway. Praise God! Now all I have to do is not lose any traction on #6. :^)

Thanks Matthew…..My prayer for this post is that it would encourage, stretch, convict and grow us. I know it has helped me look inward more than I’ve ever done.

Thanks Matthew…..My prayer for this post is that it would encourage, stretch, convict and grow us. I know it has helped me look inward more than I’ve ever done.