Last year I attended a pastors' conference with one of the other youth pastors in my area. We enjoyed two days of great teaching, encouragement, office episodes, fast food, and world-changing theological conversation in the car. As we arrived home before I left my friend's car he said to me, "we're in this together."
We're in this together.
What you need to understand is that there is a group of youth pastors that I meet with every week for prayer, and I have been doing this for three years. What I enjoy about this group is that there isn't talk of how many kids are showing up to our thing, there aren't any flyers for the next life-changing youth event being passed out, and there is no youth pastor trying to assert himself (yes the male-gender use is on purpose) as the top youth pastor with the best ministry in town. Instead we come with our brokenness, imperfections, martyr complexes, and dreams and we talk and pray about them, and really just look to encourage one another.
This is why when a fellow youth pastor says to me, "we're in this together" I know in my heart of hearts that its true. Its not just several isolated youth ministries trying to do the same thing, rather it is a group of diverse individuals who are passionate about seeing a community changed for Christ.
Why am I telling you this? Because I think that intentionally looking to develop relationships with other youth pastors and community leaders is one the best things I've ever done in youth ministry.
If you're not already connected to some people in your own community who are seeking to share the love of Jesus with young people you need to be. Pick up a phone, stop by a church, find some youth workers and forget about all the "how many kids-do you have a youth band-what's your next big event" crap (it will only kill you). Invite this person out for a cup of coffee or lunch and simply get to know them. Your shared passion for young people will shine through.
As youth pastors we're called not to run programs for teenagers; rather we're called to be a presence in communities and to seek to transform them. Transforming a community is no small task. We're better suited for this task when we join hands with those who share our dreams and passions and face our community together.
so if you're already connected to a group of youth workers give one of them a call and let him/her know you love em. If you're not connected pick up the phone or stop in at the church down the road (don't worry Baptists don't bite).
It might just be the best thing you ever did in your youth ministry.
Looking forward to seeing many or you this weekend!
Grace and Peace,
Erick
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