Youth ministry can sometimes be a thankless job. Unfortunately, no one usually pats you on the back each week and tells you what a great lesson you just taught, or thanks you for giving up your time week after week to lead youth group. You don’t get a t-shirt made that says best youth leader ever. Many times, you’re using your hard earned money to buy new dodgeballs for a bunch of teens that never say thanks. Sometimes, you might wonder why you’re doing it. You might question if all your hard work is worth it. Frankly, you are probably tempted many times to just quit.
In those times, when you feel like giving up and quitting, remember, there is power in sticking it out.
I’ve heard statistics at youth camps and youth retreats saying that most youth pastors quit youth ministry within three years. That’s an alarming statistic. Today’s youth need support, encouragement, and a good foundation in the Bible. That’s what you provide.
You as a youth leader provide young people with the opportunity to learn more about the awesome God we serve. You’re not just throwing a dodgeball or leading a donut eating contest, you’re showing God’s love to hurting teenagers. So my thoughts to you are this, don’t quit. When things get tough, don’t quit. When you feel un-thanked, underappreciated, and unloved, don’t quit. When it gets hard and you want to be any place else than your youth event, stay with it.
There is power in staying with something. There is power in not quitting when things get tough. There is power in pushing past your discouragement and staying there to be the hands and feet of God to this generation.
If you want to be effective in youth ministry, don’t quit. Stick it out. Show God’s love to hurting teenagers. Its when you do these things, that you really become a success.
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.