Help Wanted (Youth Workers make the difference)
Calling those who are called to serve our Youth Ministry. Many times we think that those who work with our young people have to be the coolest, talk the middle school slang, wear sandals, smell nice, be a hyper extrovert, play the guitar, be young and on the cutting edge of technology.
But this could not be further from the truth. In fact Youth Workers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and personalities. We are looking for adults who are passionate about being real with young people. Many times we think that we have to have the right stuff, the right look and language to even be heard by young people. The students in our ministry are urning for real authentic relationships. One of the best youth workers I know is in her 70′s. She is compassionate and willing to be there for young people. She listens, guides and above all else loves the students in her ministry. Sure, she doesn’t do ministry the way that a 25 year old seminary grad appointed to urban Baltimore does. However, both reach youth, spread the gospel and are a critical part of the faith community.
There are only a few requirements that go into making a great youth worker:
- You love God and desire a closer relationship with the Creator each and every day.
- You are someone of integrity
- You love kids and you want to spend time getting to know them.
- You have the time to devote to building relationships and serving young people.
If these things describe you, then you are well on your way to being a great youth worker. These things may take the form of being a small group leader, cooking for events, driving, keeping students in prayer, mentoring, sponsoring a confirmation member, or any number of other ways to serve our ministry. Being a youth worker is not just filling a hole, it is making a lasting and meaningful connection to young people within the ministry. You offer something that no one else in the world can. You are unique ans special and we would love for you to share your story with us.
Youth ministry is not just about dinners, loud music and being silly. It is not just helping young people see God, but it is a way to see God through young people. Prayerfully consider where and how you can be a meaningful part of the faith formation of the students that have been entrusted to our care.