This past Sunday, I did something that I haven’t done in 8 1/2 years. I joined a church. The last time I joined a church, I joined a church that I had joined 5 years earlier. Confused? Well, anyway this entry has little to do with joining a church, except for something happened when I joined this church that – well got me thinking . . .
Dawn & I joined a Baptist Church – so you baptist know the drill. We went forward, sat on the front row, filled out a form, remained sitting while everyone else sang , was introduced and voted on by the church. (I’m just glad they didn’t ask if anyone opposed?!) Because I am on staff, the introduction included a little bit about my role at the church. The fact that I am a youth minister turned administrator/senior adult minister lends itself to a few harmless jokes and comments – all of which I welcome and have fun with. During the introduction, it was noted that I had a lot to learn because well, you know youth ministry prepares you for nothing. We had fun with that and it was all said in jest. But it did get me thinking – it got me thinking about all that God had done in me as a result of youth ministry – in particular youth ministry with a group of kids from Mt. Airy and Fuquay Varina. ANd so I thought it might be fun to think about what youth ministry did in me . . . Here’s what I learned.
Being real is more important than being right. Lock-ins are from the devil. Youth have a lot to teach us about friendship. Youth have more fun! Working with a team is a lot better than working solo! Relationships are more important than programs. The best church looks a lot like a youth group. Youth and children are some of the most valuable gifts to the church- those who are entrusted with them are some of the luckiest and should be held in the highest regard! Good people do bad things and make bad decisions. Judgement is never our role. I heard a youth once say – “Becoming an adult means you loose your passion for God”. Obedience in the little things is the secret to big picture living. Growing pains and life lessons look very similiar in every generation. DId I mention that I HATE lock-ins. Laugther and fun are life’s gifts – open them every chance you get. And the list goes on. . .
Thanks Haymore & Piney Grove. You’ve been a word of God to me. -dt
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Very well said and most defnitely from your heart. I’m glad I was there with you to experience some of the fun! You made an awesome youth minister!
awww daryl…you are the most awesomest (i know it is not a word but i am making it one) youth minister. you and dawn have been such a blessing to know. i’ll be praying for ya and the family and i’m most definitely excited and looking forward to seeing yall soon. : )
Good stuff! : )
Keep em’ comin’…this is where I get my therapy!!! ha ha
Many feelings were stirred as I read this. Some deep down, almost crusty feelings- you know the kind that build as a pot is left on the burner too long and too little stirred.
Ministry, Minister? Do those words actually relate anymore?
Never thought about it this way before, but the way one joins a church can too often relate to how they think they are to serve- sitting, while others stand. My advice to you is “Break the Pattern” Stand, serve- not because its your job, but because its in your DNA. But not as you said- in programs, but people. The strength of Y.M. is relationships are required. Somehow grownup ministry seldom includes these. (that’s why we make so many cutting remarks and call it humor- we are afraid to actually relate). So D.T. do what others can’t- RELATE! AND, help stir life in others by writing about the joy of relating.