I can think of tons of times that I’d rather not show up to lead youth group. I can’t count the Wednesdays I’ve gotten off work late, driven 10 over the speed limit barely getting to church in time to catch my breath to lead youth group. Some weeks, between family and work, I’ve had no time to prepare a lesson. So I’m standing up in front of the youth group, just hoping I can think of something to talk to them about.
Sometimes, youth group can feel more like a burden than ministry. Especially when you haven’t had time to prepare a talk, sermon or discussion questions to really inspire teens.
So what do you do in these times? In the times that have felt way less than inspired? I encourage you to do this simple thing….show up.
Yes that’s it. Showing up is one of the most important things you can do for teenagers. This means more than the awesome talk you spent all night preparing. It will mean more than all of the awesome game nights you put together or the time you made the head cheerleader drink mustard with a straw.
If you want to be a success in youth ministry…show up. Its just that simple. If you show up every week, and love teenagers, then you are a success in youth ministry. By showing up, you make yourself available to teenagers to talk, share their hearts, and for you to encourage them. And in all reality, isn’t that the goal of youth ministry? Just forming relationships with teens that point them to Christ?
So be encouraged. No matter what your role in youth ministry is, you are important by simply showing up!