Many times as a youth pastor I have been asked, “What do you do all day?” Although many feel silly asking a question I feel it is a valid question. My hope for this blog is that anyone at anytime can look into the world of the Marion youth ministry and see what is going on. Some of the stories will be success and some will rip your heart out, but for the most part my hope is to give you a glimpse. I will start with a list of things that I think you should know about youth ministry or at least as I (Isaac) see it.
1. Most of ministering to youth does not happen at church. Although we have a good number of students attend church on a Sunday morning this is not where most of the ministry goes on. Although teaching and educating is part of youth ministry and that is what happens on Sunday morning through the avenues of Sunday school and sermon, most of the outreach and true connecting with students does not happen on a Sunday morning. This is for several reason – most of which are out of our control. Did you know that most students’ breakfast is lunch? Most students don’t wake up on Sunday until after noon. Most students come on Sunday because mom, dad, grandma, Aunt Peggy or some other authority figure said they had to. So we have tired, awake-against-their-will students on a Sunday morning and this is not a great combination to have making it less than ideal for ministry. However we still like to make the most of our time and I get a sinister smile when I hear students say on Sunday morning “Why are you making me use my brain.”
2. And since ministry doesn’t usually happen in the church for our younger generations it also doesn’t happen from 8-5. I get asked many times why I don’t put in ‘normal’ business hours. I realize that many of us have the business mentality because that is all we know. However running a business and a church although have some similarities are pretty different. With this in mind most ministering towards students happens in afternoon, evenings, or late nights. However while they are in school you sure can get a lot of that paper pushing, and planning done!!! So just to clear the air, here is what a normal (if there ever was such a thing in ministry) week might look like. Monday – Wednesday – I am in the office (my upstairs of the parsonage) doing officy things. Thursday and Friday – I am out and about. Meeting people for a breakfast or lunch, visiting schools, getting supplies, and yes even the occasional day of fishing may happen. Saturday – doing what every good husband does – whatever his wife says, and on Sunday – well you will see me there. That is a normal week for me.
3. Lastly, how do we measure success in ministry? I have always struggled with this in ministry (which is partially the reason why I am in ministry) because it is tough to measure this job. As any man I want to conquer my world. Well when my world is winning souls for Christ that is tough because it is out of my control. My job not only as a Christian but as a youth pastor is to share the gospel or be a messenger or a witness for Christ. However, I want to see results. I want to see lives changed. I know that this is the doing of God through his Holy Spirit but I want to see it. I want to harvest a spiritual crop of young people. I want people lining up at the baptistery, but it just isn’t happening. Again going back to number 1 but I have never baptized anyone in the Marion baptistery. That is tough for me because I want to see results. So I ask you the reader how do you measure success in life?
4. I appreciate and expect support. The youth ministry is bigger than the person running it. I am but one man, a mere mortal and I will fail the students, my family, the church and God. However it is through our weakness that Christ is strong. ( 2 Corinthians 12:10) Even though I (Isaac) will have many shortcoming I still expect you to confront me in love and still encourage our students. I KNOW the Marion church cares deeply for our young people (YOUR WALLETS SHOW IT!!!) And I hope you all continue to do so no matter who holds the position of youth pastor (don’t worry I am not going anywhere). But continue to show your support as you have for so many years through the making sure all your words, actions, and decisions are glorifying to God as that is the big picture here.
Your zinc riced, Isaac
