(Un)Official Youth Minister Appreciation Day
Originally Published 3/3/2015
I am at the pinnacle of my college career. I'm staring down the start of the next stage of life, it's a mountain top-type experience, and I have an amazing view.
Looking behind me it is clear that I would not have gotten where I am now if not for several groups of people. During the past few years I've been studying youth ministry and learning what all goes on in a youth ministry "behind the scenes." Because of that, recently I've spent some time being incredibly thankful for the youth ministers I had as a teenager.
To all youth ministers out there: Thank you! While this "thanks" does go to youth ministers everywhere (everyone needs to be appreciated, right?), I want to specifically thank the (mostly youth) ministers from my adolescent development. So Thank you:
John Steen
Jeff Lovingood
Travis Kaiser
Jason Underhill (I know you were a Children's pastor when I worked with you, but I was still mentored from you!)
Michael Jenkins
Shane Sisk
Tyler Hirth (not a YM, but equally a spiritual mentor)
Jeremy Johnson
Beth Peterson
Jon Micah Richardson
David Ray
David West
Some of you I've known a very long time, others just for short stretches. However, each of you have been part of my spiritual development in more ways than I can even recognize.
Many of you patiently listened to me when I complained about my perceived problems (many of which weren't really problems).
You answered my (sometimes ridiculous) questions.
You showed me a love for God's word that became contagious.
You believed in me and developed me as a leader.
You disciplined me when I was having a stupid moment.
You showed me my gifts and helped me develop them for use in ministry.
You recognized that you couldn't do everything and introduced me to tons of other loving adults who helped shape me (I could, and might, write multiple posts on the volunteers and interns that have shaped me).
Most importantly, you were there.
There were times when I thought you were the best thing since sliced bread, there were times I was angry with you and didn't understand what you were doing (Making you stale, sliced bread), and there were many times when I quietly watched your behavior to learn from your Godly lifestyle.
I would not be the man I am now if it was not for you all. Please do not give up. Keep going, keep serving. You ARE making a difference. Keep doing those things that are best for your students, even if it's difficult. Continue to value every student you interact with. Continue to lead students into God's word to point them to the cross of Christ. When I grow up (I still have two months until graduation), I want to be just like you!
I know that none of you were or are seeking to be thanked, but please know that I am grateful and your reward will be in heaven.
I'm not sure who will read this. Whether you are a parent, a student, a minister, part of a church's leadership, a professor, or someone who accidentally found my site, I encourage you to reflect on those who have shaped you and to be thankful to God for them. As I'm learning, ministry is difficult and those who serve the kingdom could use some encouragement (just don't let it get to our heads).
Like I said, the list above is not exhaustive. There are tons of other ministers, interns, small group leaders, teachers, family members etc. who have shaped me in incredible ways. Thanks to you, too!
Today, to whom are you going to be grateful?
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By the way, apparently October is "Clergy Appreciation Month," and a particular weekend is dedicated to youth ministers, but why can't every day be minister's appreciation day?