Youth ministry has its highs and lows, but it’s mostly a grind. We often find ourselves asking the proverbial question, “So, why do I keep doing this?” It’s an important question, because unsatisfying answers lead to a sense of meaninglessness and the search for another line of work.
Years ago, I was leading a short-term mission trip in urban Denver. I divvied up the trip’s major duties amongst my volunteers. As the youth pastor, however, I gave myself the responsibility of spiritual growth and reflection. So, I led the devotional and worship session each morning and a debrief every evening.
Just before one of my highly anticipated, thoughtful, creative, imaginative and inspired debriefs, the entire group, as if on cue, began to whine about being hungry. What’s more, my volunteers joined the chorus! “But, what about my debrief time?” I asked myself. “Isn’t this why we’re really here – to grow spiritually?” Against my better judgment, I relented. We jumped into the church bus and embarked on a search for munchies.
Along the way, I asked our guide to take us through some rough parts of town – to the places my white, middle-American youth never see. We saw signs of gang activity and witnessed drug deals. We drove down a section of Colfax Avenue in which little children were crawling in and out of cardboard boxes, preparing their “beds” for night. The silence on the bus was deafening. We made a couple of quick turns and we found ourselves in the grocery store parking lot and the teens piled out to get their snack fix.
While I was trying to figure out what chips I was really craving, I noticed Hayley out of the corner of my eye. She was staring into space with tears trickling down her cheeks. “What’s the matter?” I asked. “It’s not fair!” She sobbed, “It’s just not fair!” I knew at that moment God was working in her heart and God reminded me why I keep doing this. It’s my calling!
In the busyness and details and church politics of youth ministry, I need to be reminded of my calling and cling to it. Sometimes it’s all that will carry me through.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
1. What are the youth ministry realities that can distract you from or crowd out your sense of call?
2. How can God remind you of your calling?
3. In what ways can you keep your calling in front of you?
-Dr. Wendell Loewen, Professor of Youth, Church & Culture at Tabor College, Ministry Quest Director