In the Lord of the Rings there is a place after the final battle where the warriors go to get healed up from the battle. It is a place of rest and recovery. I have recently been meeting with two guys who were youth pastors who are on "breaks" right now just trying to get healed up after some pretty big battles in their ministry lives. These are guys who love Jesus but have been beaten up by ministry and the church. One of the guys, senior pastor was having an affair with the middle school secretary, go figure. Basically the senior pastor ran him out of the church because he thought that this youth pastor had figured out that he was having an affair. Why is it that youth ministers seem to have the hardest time in churches? Why is it such a volitale position? Why do churches burn people out, and use people up so easily? Maybe we are doing church wrong, maybe we are more like a corporation than the house of God? Mike Yaconelli wrote alot about this subject and wrote some great articles that are worth your reading if you are struggling with a situation in your church that is just not Godly. You can find them (HERE). One of my favorite quotes by Him is..
"No wonder so many youth workers call it quits after 18 months. No wonder volunteers decide to un-volunteer. What's a wonder is how many youth workers decide to stick it out. You keep going even when your budgets are cut, your salaries lowered, and your integrity questioned. Your lives have been ruined by your callings. What can you do? You just hang on because…well…because Jesus hung on (if you know what I mean).I'm in awe of youth workers, and I think Jesus is, too. I just wish the Church felt the same."
Youth Ministry is hard and it's misunderstood. It is a lifestyle, a lifestyle that does not easily mesh into a church corporate environment. I have been fortunate enough to find a great place to do ministry here in Tampa at Van Dyke and my senior pastor gets it! Pretty Cool. So for all you out there who are in need of the house of healing may you find the love of Jesus and may you experience that love through the hands of his people! Don't give up!
chasing the mystery,
mark
P.S This is a copy of the e-mail Mike sent me when they hired me for the CORE
Mark!
Great to have you as a new member of the CORE. I've been doing these darn seminars for 32 years and I am excited when a new team member arrives and can give new life, perspective and passion to our seminar team ... uh ... and it means I can do less cities. So, welcome, I think you will find that this experience will bond you with the other seminar leaders for life. Looking forward to meeting you.
yaconelli
Thanks Mike, You were the best, I know your enjoying Jesus!
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