All:
Thought I would post this in hope that it may help us as leaders who work
with youth a' la Royal Rangers. Touches me with some great reminders.
Steve Dennis ("Full Quiver")
Pittsfield, MA OP39
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L I V E I T
Today's best advice from Christian books.
http://liveit.crosswalk.com/
EIGHT WAYS TO MAKE YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY THRIVE
Are you thriving or merely surviving in youth ministry? Those in
the area of youth ministry know that its high-energy can take its
toll. Without a renewed sense of direction and purpose, it's easy
to experience burnout - which can be painful to you, your family,
and the youth program.
Eight key threads emerged from a two-year research project of 500
associate church staffers (more than 100 of them youth pastors)
from 14 North American denominations who are clearly thriving in
ministry.
Successful youth leaders:
1 Remind yourself of God's call, and draw strength from it.
Thriving youth pastors take time to reflect on God's calling,
especially during times of stress and adversity. Ministry
difficulties drive them to prayer - seeking strength, wisdom,
and courage from God so they can do what He's directed them
to do. As they persevere they break through into new levels
of joy and fulfillment.
2 Remember attitude is everything. With every job comes
struggles, but successful leaders are convinced that their
work is making a valuable and eternal impact and are
committed to longevity in their ministry. They persevere with
patience, valuing people over programs.
3 Work to build a nurturing environment churchwide. Successful
youth ministers find ways to build staff unity, empowering
them to take on significant responsibilities. The more they
own, the less turnover you'll have. Be sure to communicate
your ministry's goals and activities to the whole church to
garner their support. Share your needs with your church
board, senior pastor, or trusted lay leader.
4 Strengthen your work relationships. If possible, so far as
it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Rom. 12:18). Be
cooperative, loyal, and honest. Show respect for other
staffers, always looking for ways to help. Listen to their
ideas and cheer on their successes.
5 Pursue spiritual vitality. Real thriving flows out of your
relationship with God, where you'll find the grace to meet
your life and ministry challenges. Make sure you dedicate
time each day to reconnect with God.
6 Build a personal support network. The more intentional you
are in building relationships with those who can encourage,
challenge, pray for, and believe in you, the more God can
move through them to strengthen you for the long haul.
7 Care for your family. If you're married, your spouse is
critical to your ability to thrive in ministry. And if you're
a parent, your children can be a surprising source of
encouragement and support. Ask for flexible scheduling from
your church. Schedule family nights and dates with your
spouse and ruthlessly protect those times.
8 Savor the joys of ministry. Ministry "highs" often are
fleeting. Successful youth ministers find ways to capture
those moments and draw on them for encouragement when things
get tough.
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Kevin Lawson is director of the Ph.D. program in
Christian Education at Talbot School of Theology in
California, and the author of How to Thrive in
Associate Staff Ministry.
From "How to Thrive Long Term in Youth Ministry" by
Kevin Lawson, Group magazine, May/June 2000 issue.
Used by permission of Group Publishing, Loveland,
Colo., 1-800-447-1070. Subscription information: 6
issues for $24.95, foreign subscribers add $7, U.S.
funds only.
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RELATED LINKS:
1: http://www.talbot.edu/
2: http://www.groupmag.com
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