How old is too old when working in Youth Ministry?
30? 40? 50??
After watching this, I say that you’re too old to work with Youth only when you’re dead.
Meet Verna Kline, she’s been working with youth since 1948 – that’s 63 years as a VOLUNTEER youth worker?
Now, were you saying something about being too old?
Working with teenagers over the years, I have watched so many struggle with self-image. Our media-centric culture makes this especially tough on teen girls. Photo-shopped celebrities, plastic surgery and teams of makeup and hair artists consistently create an unreal image that many girls believe is the norm – even if only subconsciously.
In the past few years, you may have seen one of the Deidox films which are produced as a short documentary about someone and their faith. I came across this one today and it was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. Alyssa has been blind from birth. She always wondered what she looked like until God spoke to her one day and reminded her of something.
“He is the only one that can tell me what I look like; the mirror can’t.” – Alyssa
Deidox | Alyssa from Deidox on Vimeo.
I have a teenage daughter.
My wife and I want her to know she is beautiful as God made her. No media outlet, magazine, celebrity or “friend” has the right to tell her otherwise. As Alyssa said, God is the only one that can tell her what she looks like.
The same is true for all of us.
If you have read my blogs for long, you know I’m big on information and statistics. When people are informed, then they can be motivated to action.
I also work with students – specifically Middle School students. My wife and I have a burden for these students. We care about them and want to equip them with the information they need to know what they believe and, most importantly, WHY.
The statistics shared in this infographic are alarming. But, the response toward the end of the infographic is encouraging.
At the same time, it’s convicting.
What am I doing to equip MY kids and the students I work with?
What are WE doing?
Infographic from Michael Jones on Vimeo.
I have volunteered working with Youth for a number of years. There is nothing more challenging and rewarding than working with pre/teenagers in a group setting. So many times I have learned as much or more than they have from a bible study or discussion.
A number of people I follow on twitter have been at SYMC (Simply Youth Ministry Conference) 2010. From the tweets and posts I’ve seen, this conference appears to be a powerful resource for anyone working with teens.
Derry Prenkert, a Youth Pastor from Indiana, posted this video from the conference on his blog. (Quick note – if you work with teens – Derry’s blog is a must read. Lots of awesome insight, challenge and encouragement.)
Now enjoy the “5 Rules of Youth Ministry”:
Are there any other “rules” you would like to see Youth Ministers and Volunteers abide by?
