Newsletter Insight: Hang in there!

The Following is what I wrote for our Church's March newsletter - Enjoy.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Don’t give up! Hang in there! God is in control.
As we face the future the task before us seems overwhelming.

These are several principles that can help us when we are weary:

Be Patient. Keep your cool. God’s Kingdom wasn’t built overnight; nor should we expect things to be instantly done. Take your time to do things right.

Prioritize. Do the things that are of the most importance. Make a list of things to be done in order.Scratch off each one as you accomplish them.

Pray. Spend time in prayer; not just talking to God, but listening as well. Sometimes we don’t hear God’s voice because we don’t take time to be silent. Try different forms of praying. Different prayer positions might help you focus and give a different perspective.

In all things – know you are not alone. God is there.

Break a leg or Fire a Friend?

Topic discussion here


Tried to post a response but couldn't after several tries. So here are my thoughts from the above discussion.


Can someone define pulling your weight?

This topic concerns me for several reasons:

1. You would fire a friend so easily without giving room to improve, reconciliation(sp),
2. Expectations and evaluation.
3. The church seems to be seen more as an institution and business here rather than forgiving and helping relationships and the Body of Christ and the Kingdom as a whole.
4. It seems to be the easy way out. Fire someone rather than invest and try to change them. Heck, can you imagine Jesus firing Judas because Jesus knew he would betray him?
5. The ego and pride of the overseers seems rather arrogant does it not? No wonder some power hungry pastors fire some poor young kid because the pastor feels threatened by the youth pastor or the youth pastor's youth group isn't growing overnite or like mega church down the road.
6. Where is God in this?
7. How do you define pulling your weight again? Numbers? Growth overnite? Like mega church down the road! What? By whose standards?
8. It concerns me that some people are so easily to throw aside a friendship without consulting and working at it?
9. Where is the grace?
10. Where is the time for repenting and to be changed and transformed? Isn't that whay ministry is about.

Again ...I'm kind of surprised but not really. With so many leaving ministry and so many youth workers being FIRED without second thought nor any real consequences ... I think the trend of disregard and disrespect for young pastors will continue unfortunately!

YM Tip From Me:

I posted a Tip
for youth workers. Here is the tip I gave as advice:

Gerrard Fess submittedthis too-funny-to-pass-up bit of wisdom from his own recent experience:

“Don’t cut anyone off while driving the church van. The church name and phone number are on the vehicle!”

He makes a good point that works in the broader picture as well. Whether we’re thinking about it or not, we’re witnesses to the Lordship of Jesus Christ all the time - even behind the wheel. We never know who’s watching or how that might affect their perception of the Church or her Savior.
-----------------------------------------------------

Update though:

Found out the alignment and the brake lights and turn signals weren't functioning properly. Currently that van is in the shop.

No wonder some people probably felt like I cut them off.

Top 10 Things to be Banned in Youth Ministry.

1. The "I know it All" Youth Worker.

2. The "Entertain Teens always" model

3. Thinking Relationships are the goal. (Its the means not the goal)

4. The "Informercial" Conferences that disguise themselves as "ministries" only to sell their T-shirts, conferences, speakers' books, missions trips, concerts, and then have their own industry staff call you all the time to sign up again next year for their bat .. I mean conference.

5. The excluding of parents involvement in ministry.

6. Gross Games that endanger young people. Chubby Bunny, Drinking a gallon of milk.

7. Publishers who send their curriculum free or T-shirt Fundraisers (see #4) preview only you are tricked into paying for the Big Shipping. (Hint: Have a FREE preview online)

8. Sexy Trendy trying to be Cool - Youth Ministry. (see 1-2) Not every youth ministry has to be exactly like Doug Fields or 180 or with Extreme anything in its name.

9. Activity Driven Youth Ministry. Activities in and of themselves aren't bad but when programs and we become a complainer of other activities and think "soccer" and other sports compete with our "Youth group" maybe we need to rethink what YM is about.

10. Numbers as the only indicator of Growth. Numbers can be one of many variables but comparisons and playing the number game is immature. God has given you enough students that you can account for on the day of judgment. If that means one student invest in that one or one hundred and one.

Others?

Advice for those that Complain!

1. Never Send just an email.

2. Never just leave a note on someone's desk hoping they'll notice it!

3. Don't just goto others with the issue - goto the person you have the issue with.

4. Gossip hurts.

5. Don't just complain - offer some viable solutions.

6. Pray.

7. Don't expect a solution overnite!

8. Be patient (see #7)

9. Do All things in love.

10. Be available to be part of the solution. (see #5)

Things I've noticed While at the Hospital.

1. Nurses are really nice.
2. Being sick isn't fun!
3. It hurts to see your love one in pain.
4. Being patient and waiting is hard.
5. Hospitals aren't like those seen on ER, Grey's, General Hospital, or any of those other TV shows.
6. Hospital Food isn't that bad from the cafeteria - but I wouldn't want to eat it everyday.
7. Clergy ID badges - rock.
8. Finding a parking place actually near the hospital isn't easy.
9. There sure are lots of wires and plugs in each room.
10. Wash your hands ALOT!!!

Other notes:

There sure are lots of people in the ER.
Metal Detectors in the ER make it interesting.
When you wear the Hospital ID badge - sometimes you can be mistaken for a doctor.
We sure have lots of people praying. Kind of cool my daughter's preschool at the Baptist Church - one of their staff came by to visit.
I've probably been more to the hospital this week more than in several years.

My problems with McChurch!

Some discussion on the Franchised Church
which came from This Article


Some thoughts of mine:

“ The Bible says, “without vision, the people perish.” Your church needs vision. And vision needs systems.”

You do realize that Vision = equates or can be easily translated better as without revelation, people perish. This without God in it.

“Church History tells us the “Franchised Church” works and that God uses it.”

This phrase also troubles me why? Because the McChurches out there almost can take McBible and McJesus out of their McStrategies and depend on McSELF rather than God Himself to Grow the church. Hence why the Apostle Paul said some water, some plant the seed but God gives the increase (loose translation)

I think if we base the church on our own strength and McBusiness philosophy than we McLost what Church is really McBout!

When to leave?

How long is long enough???

Every now and then this comes up. So I'm referring to Duffy Robbins' book Youth Ministry Nuts and Bolts - Chapter Sixteen (A real gem of a book that every youthworker needs)

The Question starts on pg. 254
Should I move?
You need to ask these questions:
1. Have I been here long enough to reach my most effective years?
2. Do I have a dream for this ministry?
3. Do my spiritual gifts match the present needs of my ministry?
4. Is my philosophy of ministry compatible with my church?
5. Are people still willing to follow me?

Hold It.....Don't Touch that resume ...

Due to:
Plateaus
Problem People
Financial dissatisfaction
Hurt Feelings

When is a Move Appropriate?

When staying with the present church violates your integrity

When family needs would be ignored by staying.

When your relationship with the congregation has detriorated beyond reasonable hope of reconciliation.

When it is clearly the will of God that we move to a specific new ministry. The

Leave Principle ...(When to Leave)

Lack of personal growth
Expenses exceed income (not enough income to support my family)
A breakdown in relationships (Among staff, students, parents) Vision has ceased Evidence that God is leading elsewhere.

Hopefully this helps. Duffy has great stuff in his book besides this ...From pages 254-261.

Here are some other things to consider with should I stay or should I go?

1.Where do I see myself one year from now? Five years from now? If not here why?

2.Can I be myself at this current congregation? Authenticity is a Big thing. If the church allows your personality and giftedness to be used … then why leave? ( I have damaged a van, on my 4th laptop and am still employed after just 5yrs)

3.Will my integrity be hurt? How above approach are you? Are you being feed and spiritually challenged as well?

4.What about my family?

5.What are the pros and cons of staying or leaving – get out the ole paper and write them out!

6.Are there red flags that say I should be moving on?Such as the anonymous letters and Ads for other youth ministry positions that end up on your desk. (No lie – happened in my first ministry)

7.Is God calling me elsewhere? Can my gifts and abilities be used Elsewhere for the Kingdom?

8.Can I work with the current leadership and direction of the Church?This changes and the vision and that tends to change. If you can’t be supportive of the leadership –something has to give.

9.How are my relationships with others? Students, parents, staff, Sometimes your role may change or duties or you feel you have changed and the relationships are always changing. But is there a breakdown that will affect you and the ministry?

10. WHY? Why leave or stay? Is it because you think it is rosier on the other side? (Every church has its problems). Have a good heart to heart with a good friend, mentor and with God and make sure you are convinced that God has you either staying or going.

Long term ministries are well worth it.For a time there I thought of investing in U-haul because of moves I’ve done.

Any others you would ADD?

My Identity as a Youth Worker.

There are so many roles I play in doing youth ministry. In fact youth ministry to me isn’t as much as doing as it is in being. It is being who God called me.
So humor me if you must, but here are some roles I’ve played in youth ministry and maybe you have too.
1. Food preparer.
2. Game coordinator.
3. Camp Dean.
4. Janitor.
5. Counsellor.
6. Pastor.
7. Teacher.
8. Preacher.
9. Role Model.
10. Encourager.
11. Father.
12. Parent.
13. Group leader.
14. Christian.
15. Prayer leader.
16. Disciple.
17. He who loves God.
18. Crier.
19. Worshipper.
20. Leader.
21. Minister.
22. Servant.
23. Friend.
24. Follower.
25. Seeker.
26. Writer.

So what identifies you in youth Ministry? Grace, love, hope, peace, patience? May God continue to be the most identified person in your life as you love Him and love those students.

Youth Ministers and Salary

How much should I make?

I get asked this question a lot. Usually I refer to Group Magazine’s Salary Survey or Church Staffing Compensation Handbook which is published annually. Then there are some online comparisons such as:
Payscale.com And some youth workers have suggested even using the local teachers’ salary as a starting point. All good and valid points.
There are several factors in considering salary for a youth worker and here are some questions to consider:
1. Does our church value youth ministry?
2. Can we afford to pay someone?
3. Can that pay increase each year?
4. What is our expectations, role, how many hours etc.
Now having said that people want to know what is the salary I should be getting for where I plan on doing ministry? This also varies by Years of Experience, Years at present church, educational background, number of church attendees etc. And of course other credentials as licensing, ordination, and regions.
So where do I find these averages to help me? Network, ask other youth workers in the area. What benefits do they get if any? Benefits such as housing allowance, book, education, conventions, health insurance, retirement, holidays, vacation and so forth.
The more questions and prepared you are when it comes to dealing with salary and issues the better you are for the future.
Youth Ministries and salaries can be a hard subject to approach but when approached with grace and dignity a good salary and great youth worker is well worth their weight in gold.

How to Leave a Ministry Well.

The L.E.A.V.E. principle Updated.


Duffy Robbins in his book, Youth Ministry Nuts & Bolts cites on page 261 what he calls the Leave Principle …. When to leave a ministry:
Lack of Personal Growth.
Expenses exceed income (Not enough income to support my family)
A breakdown in relationships (among staff, students, parents)
Vision has ceased
Evidence that God is leading elsewhere.

The author also cites 4 reasons for not leaving a ministry due to plateaus, problem people, financial dissatisfaction and hurt feelings.

So after much soul searching and consideration, you have decided to leave your current ministry and move onto the next ministry. The question the becomes how or what do I do to leave well and tell everyone? Here are some suggestions to help you in that transition time.
1. What does your contract say about how far in advance of notice do you give?
2. Write a well written and thoughtful resignation letter. Keep a copy for your records.
3. Write down who you need to communicate your decision to in order: Senior pastor, elder board, sponsors, friends, parents, youth and congregation. (also get input from your leadership the best way to communicate this news)
4. Take an inventory of items left to be done and any unfinished business and have written out what items are yours to take with you to the next ministry and what stays etc.
5. Write a letter of evaluation and focus for the next youth leader to have. Things like what good places in the area helped you out. News info. Job descriptions. Contact info. Accounts. Curriculum used. Local camps etc. Be as thoughtful or as creative as possible. Avoid slamming or giving advice on “certain people.” Others may see this and come back to haunt you.
6. Have an opportunity to personal say goodbye to everyone –whether that is to visit everyone in their home or having an open house etc. Closure is a good thing.
7. Get the unfinished business out of the way. If you have commitments try to fulfill them as good as possible. Let the other organizations you are involved with know you are transitioning from one position to another. Update your mailing address.
8. On your last Sunday enjoy the moment. Cry. Pray. Say Thanks. Keep it positive – even if you weren’t treated that way, it will say much to your integrity and reputation.
9. Leave. Leave for awhile. Let there be time between you and the church. Don’t hang around too long or visit often until there has been time for people to process you are gone and it is ok to return.
I’ve had some good ministries I’ve left and returned after being asked as a speaker – and finding out I had caused some pain in my leaving and other ministries – I’ve never been back. Evaluate but allow time in the transition before deciding to visit again.
10. Enjoy your new ministry. Let God continue to move His people forward in transition. Take time to reflect, pray, evaluate and learn along the journey. Share with other youthworkers’ your transition experience and how it could have been better or how well it went. There have been many youthworkers’ transitions that have gone wrong because of bad decisions or the way it was handled on part of both the church leadership and the youth worker themselves. Hopefully the above items will help to make a good transition even better.

Resources:

How to Choose a Youth Pastor – Paul Borthwick
Things They Never Taught You About Youth Ministry That you Really Need to Know – Todd Clark
Youth Ministry Nuts and Bolts – Duffy Robbins.

Others you would add?