Sanity in Youth Ministry

They say it's a profession/calling that you take home with you. They say that you must develop thick skin to deal with those who don't understand your heart or philosophy of ministry; while at the same time holding the tension of compassion for them as well. A balancing act for the strong, a breaking point for the weak. The truth about ministry is that it will take all that you give, and it will give back more than you would expect, but deciphering or predicting when any of this happens is the catch.

I ask myself many times if it's worth the disrespect, the hours of unappreciated time, the always-occupied night, the random calls and text messages from teens in need, the heart and soul that is demanded in life dedicated to advancing God's kingdom. The answer simply is yes? Introspectively, all of these complaints or concerns are extremely selfish, and the first ontological change for declaring Christ's Lordship is a surrender of self will so that God's name and mission is not hindered by selfish actions. Then in a rather humane plea, no person should be expected to carry the weight of many people's burdens and still get burned for it. It's not right, it's not fair, it's not at all acceptable. Pastor's, though often perceived to be infallible (especially in youth ministry), are just as vulnerable as anyone else - in fact, should be more vulnerable to experience hurt and pain and anguish alongside those they are ministering to and with. It's an interesting spot, but please don't confuse my concerns with complaining, rather it's an exposition into the life of a youth worker.

I'm learning that it's no secret that the life of a pastor is short lived. Over-worked, under appreciated, yada yada yada. It's a unique place we find ourselves in, pastor or not, in serving in the kingdom of God. We are subjected to Christ, not our own self. Why? Because left to our own discretion, regardless of how much self pride and worth you give yourself, we would destroy ourselves. We are in the unique situation to carry our cross daily, meaning that we are obedient unto the point of death. Obedience is the operative word, not the suffering that we endure. Serving the kingdom is not easy, serving the church is not easy, serving each other is not easy. What we find is an upside down world that thrives in self-giving rather than serf-serving, one that finds sanity somewhere in the tension of frustration and hope.

Sanity is found in the hope of the unknown, not in the statistical analysis. Mystery somehow becomes the safest place to be. Investing in young lives becomes the greatest joy for the sake of the chance to be part of a Kingdom much bigger than we could ever imagine.