There is No Crying in Youth Ministry

I wrote this on another blog a few years ago and thought to share here:

I think the newest line or oldest line in Youth Ministry "There's No Crying in Youth Ministry."

I've seen the tears. I've seen them not only from youth and emotions and hormones run wild but of youthworkers. Sure there are times to quit; sure there are times when the church abuses you; sure there are times when bad things happen but fact is - God doesn't want the weak to lead nor babies to keep focusing on the elementary things.

Youth Ministry isn't for whiners, criers, quitters, or is it a stepping stone, easy, all fun and games, babysitting, or for just the young or just the old.

Whiners need not apply!

There is NO Crying in Youth Ministry.

Youth Ministry is tough. Youth Ministry is for those that feel the call to love God's people that want to love God. Who see beyond themselves and see what God can do rather than what they can do on their own.

Youth Ministry isn't about gimmicks; being first; last or inbetween. It is about passion. It is about grace, mercy, forgiveness, pressing on, not looking back but stepping forward to see where God can take you and other people in being the Church where you are!

The problem is we have too many whiners in youth ministry. We have too many churches that just don't get what youth ministry is about. It isn't so much about teens, family, nor increasing the size of your group as it is as much about doing what God would have us to do.

It isn't for the weak, lame, those that want to do nothing but for those that can't depend upon themselves and can give none of the credit but to the Lord.

Basically Youth Ministry is more about Jesus and less about us. The more our churches get that point - the better off we'll be.