GatewayNextGen

This week we will be concluding a series that is a rough one, but I feel it is something that every youth leader needs to hear. You can read part 1 here and part 2 here. Nothing makes me feel like more of a failure than when I pour time, resources and love into a student, only to have them leave the group, seemingly leave God, and live for the world. I always ask myself:

What could I have done better?
Did I love them enough?
Am I even really called to ministry?

Well, today I am going to answer those three questions. Ready? Here we go: “Probably nothing, probably not, and definitely yes.” What? Not the answers you were expecting? Let me explain…

What could I have done better?
Chances are you are probably doing the best that you can given your own set of exclusive circumstances. Being limited by the time you can spend with your students and needing to sleep as well as cover everything else you have in your life… No. You probably couldn’t have done better. The fact that you are asking the question means that you are a caring individual and caring individuals try as hard as they can.

Did I love them enough?
Nope. You didn’t. Wanna know how I know? You aren’t Jesus. Well, maybe you are. I’m sure He’s one of my readers. But the rest of you who aren’t the Son of God reading my blog – aren’t Jesus. What kind of love does it take to change a person’s world? What type of passion is required to bring a dead heart to life? What kind of sacrifice is required to save a soul? These are things only God can do. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Am I even really called to ministry?
Yep. Sure are! A quick read through the gospels tells us that. Are you specifically called to youth ministry? Are you in a youth ministry position? If so – then yes, you are called to youth ministry. At least for now. God knew before time began that you would be here. Reading this, right now. You are where He knew you would be.

You see, the problem with these questions is that they imply that we are responsible for the saving of our students. It implies that we – not God – are in control. That is a problem. It is our job to plant seeds into students. It’s our job to water them and fertilize them. But when will they grow? That’s not up to us. When will they come to the Lord? Doesn’t matter. That’s not for us to worry about. We work the fields; God brings the harvest. Check out 1 Corinthians 3.

There is a lot to be said about people who follow God and faithfully work without seeing the fruit of their labor. That is what we do. Youth ministers put in more time and work for less fruit than probably anyone else in ministry. It’s part of our faith calling. To trust that the Father is in control and His plans will come to fruition in His time. Do the best you can, love the best you can and have faith that you are where God want’s you to be. He’ll take care of the rest.

What have you learned about God’s timing in youth ministry? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Seriously! We’re all in this together!