Why I Should Not Be a Youth Pastor
Sometimes I feel like I’m not cut out for this youth ministry stuff.
Here’s why:
1. I’m a woman. My church is very accepting of my leadership role, but not all churches are. This is something that I struggle with from time to time, feeling accepted in a position that is male dominated.
2. I’m young. Of course, every year this is less of an issue for me, but when I started my first real youth ministry job, I was only 22, looked 15, and didn’t have a very strong presence about myself. I was, and still often am, looked over in a crowd of youth as someone asks “Where is your leader?” “Right here,” I say as I try to see over the tall students around me.
3. I have a panic attacks. Now, this isn’t something that people usually broadcast about themselves, but there’s a point to be made. Why would a person who freaks out when it comes to taking trips, doing an overnight, or having a booked calendar even consider youth ministry?
4. I’m a mom. Keeping an appropriate balance between being a full-time youth director and a mom to two pre-schoolers isn't an easy task. I always feel like one or the other is getting cheated.
5. I’m scared of dodgeball. When we played in school I would hide behind the biggest kid on my team and then ask someone to kindly tap me out of the game.
This is why I’m still in youth ministry:
1. I’m blessed to work in a church that accepts my leadership role. With the diversity of youth directors building, I am part of a large community of brothers and sisters with the same goal: to share the love of Christ with teens.
2. I feel young and love relating to the teens. Yes, I do look young, but that will fade with time. I’ve learned to stand tall while keeping my heart young.
3. God is bigger than how I feel. I’ve learned over time that the work that God is calling me to do is more important that my feelings. Pushing through anxiety and living out my call is a gift and opportunity for huge growth.
4. My kids love the youth I work with and are growing up with some great role models. The youth love my kids and I’ve always got a great babysitter when needed.
5. This one is just a weakness, I suppose. But, I can say that I’ve learned to be a great delegator and that my volunteers are awesome at dodgeball!
I know I’m not the only one who gets to feeling inadequate. I pray that we all remember why God has called us into youth ministry. Remember that God is bigger than our feelings of inadequacy and that God can use us in our unique seasons of life. We are blessed.
Conversation
I am a full-time youth
I am a full-time youth coordinator. I work 45-50 hours a week, and at least 3-4 nights each week. My husband and I are trying to plan ahead for when we have kids. We cannot afford day care and my hours are different every week. How do you do full-time ministry with small children at home?
Thanks,
Ashley
I am a young female in
I am a young female in full-time youth ministry, and this was absolutely just what I needed to read today!! Thanks for sharing.
I saw your article today and
I saw your article today and immediately felt like I could relate to the reasons why you have felt like you are not cut out to be in youth ministry. I am exactly the same with all those things aside from being a mom. I'm 22 and have been in my position leading the 7-12th grade youth group at my small church since I was 19. Talk about having times where people think you are one of the students! I am still shorter than all of the boys and look as if I could be 16! I honestly thank God so much for my church and their support of me not only as a very young person in this position but as a woman. I have been so intimidated by the fact that so many youth pastors are men that at first I didn't think I would ever be allowed to be a main leader in a youth group. Praise the Lord that He had bigger plans than my naive mind could see.
I have no degree nor am I a certified pastor, but I've learned that God is the one that has equipped me and He is the one that has called me to where I am. No piece of paper, or lack there of, can change that. I think every person that is involved in ministry comes across a long list of why they "shouldn't" make it, or why they're not cut out for ministry. But we serve a God that is so much bigger than that list. and EVERYTHING He says(you can, you are capable, I give you what you need, I am your strength) overpowers what we say(I can't, I'm unable, I lack this and that,I'm not strong enough). I LOVE what you said at the end -"I know I’m not the only one who gets to feeling inadequate. I pray that we all remember why God has called us into youth ministry. Remember that God is bigger than our feelings of inadequacy and that God can use us in our unique seasons of life. We are blessed."
What a great way to view it. We are truly blessed to serve in Youth ministry for however long God chooses to put us there! I'll be praying for you and that you are able to continue to focus on what really matters! :)
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