Dynamic Life - THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH...MINISTRY

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH...MINISTRY

by Timothy Eldred

“In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.”

(John 12:25 - MSG)

Do you ever wake up some mornings and just feel like you can't do this 'youth ministry thing' forever. That's normal. It's actually okay to say out loud (might even be therapeutic). Here's a bit of news that could provide some relief if you're going through a season of ministry where things are overwhelming. Ready? You don't have to do it forever, and God doesn't need you to either. Didn't that feel good? Let's really think about it.

Jac Perrin was the Chairman of the youth ministry department at North Central University when I studied there almost 15 years ago now. I remember him saying that our greatest achievement as youth pastors would be to see our students grow beyond our level of faith and accomplish more in for the Kingdom of God that we some day would. That was an incredible challenge I have never forgotten. Many years and many young people later, I have to wonder how effective I have been with that idea being the measuring stick of my ministry.

Don't worry about the limited impact of your meetings.

Wonder about the lifetime influence of your ministry.

We don't need to lead the biggest and best youth ministry in town. We just need to invest our time in the brood of teens that God has placed in our path. Your youth ministry can continue forever without you...but...only through the relationships you cultivate. The program you had last night will be forgotten. Guaranteed. Eternal impressions are not left though your great plans and preparations; they are etched in the young lives of those who learn about Jesus Christ through the time you spend with them outside of the office and away from the meetings.

Here's a great quote by Douglas M. Lawson, "We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give." Don't worry about the limited impact of your meetings. Wonder about the lifetime influence of your ministry.

There will days you want to quit, and someday you might. When that time comes, who will carry your ministry along? That's the million dollar question today, and I encourage you to let it change your agenda and change your schedule. Every Paul needs a Timothy or two.

Jesus said, "What we keep, we lose, and what we lose, we keep. There are some things in our ministries that we need to hold on to, and there are many things that we can afford to forget. Pray about that today and remember that youth ministry is all about relationships.