Let's Get To Work

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. — Proverbs 21:31, ESV

"You don't have a real job." I can't tell you how often I have heard this in my life. And here's the truth: I used to get so upset every time someone would say this to me. Even my mentor would say this (of course he knew how much it bugged me so he kept on saying it just to get to me). Today, because of that constant mocking, it does not bother me at all. Here's the reason: I don't have a real job. I have a DREAM job. I get to pour into the next generation, and I love what I get to do.

I hope that you understand that you don't have a real job. I hope that people make fun of you because of the fact that you are hanging out with students, taking them on trips, and teaching them the fine art of TPing the senior pastor's house. However, check yourself when you hear others say that. Many times we are mocked for not having a real job just because people cannot stand the fact that we are getting paid (if you are) for taking students to the beach, but many times we are mocked because we are not working.

Youth pastors: There is more to youth ministry than hanging with students. Of course this is the main reason that we got involved in youth ministry, but should it be? I have worked with students for the past 17 years and have learned that the best thing that I could do for students is not always just hang out with them. Building relationships with students is key, but it is only part of the high calling that we have received. We must be putting in the work behind the scenes so that we are developing the structure within the ministry that we have bee entrusted with to help build up disciples for Jesus. We need to be team players who show up early at times and are interested in the ministries of others in the church instead of showing up whenever we want and expecting everyone else to love youth ministry. We must put in the hours and effort needed that come with the responsibility that God has called us. We need to prepare budgets. We need to develop our staff. We need to go to staff meetings. We need to spend good quality time in preparation for the messages that we teach our students. We must make phone calls to parents to encourage them as they strive to raise children that love Jesus. We must have parent meetings. We must train up our staff to take over ministry. We must do the necessary things to work ourselves out of a job.

I am convinced that it is God who accomplishes the miraculous. It is God who transforms lives within every church that is obediently following his lead. I believe he "fights" the battle, but he has called us to suit up and get in the fight. We must be responsible and hard workers, not work-a-holics, but rather youth pastors who understand our high calling resulting in our working excellently to the glory of Jesus. Work hard. Trust Jesus. See the fruit of your labor.