Reason to Blog

Today I spent sometime doing some blogging maintenance and I discovered that I originally created this blog in 2008. As of today I only have 4 posts up. There is a very good reason for that. I really didn't know what I wanted to write about and so I would write up a post about something that I thought was relevant. After looking at it for a couple of days I would decide that I didn't like what I wrote and I would then delete the post. I did that at least a couple of times a month. It wasn't until I was fired from my youth pastor position that I actually discovered a purpose for this blog.

I was hurt, angry, depressed, scared and left wondering if I was flawed or the church. As I personally processed my emotions and thoughts along with Scripture I began to realize that I had gone through an experience that needed to be shared. I am not going to publicly share the details of what happened, but I want fellow youth pastors to be able to read a little of my experience. Because for anyone who serves in ministry there is the potential to be hurt by the church. Unfortunately there are many people who have rejected their faith in Jesus because of being hurt by the church emotionally and sometimes physically.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

If you have stumbled across my blog I ask that you don't take comfort in my experience or words, but draw close to Jesus who sympathizes with all of our weaknesses. Turn to Jesus accept the grace and mercy He offers through His death and resurrection. He loves you and through His sacrifice you can be made whole.

Youth Ministry Burnout

I recently posted a comment on another blogger's site about youth ministry burnout and thought I would post a condensed version here. There are many opinions on the Internet concerning youth ministry burnout. There are all kinds of plans and programs to address the burnout. Some people say to do more ministry while others say do less. But I see youth ministry burnout as a symptom of a greater hurt.

I myself have only been in youth ministry for nearly 15 years and at various points in serving I have felt burnt out. When this happens you have to check yourself. Are you absolutely sure you are called into ministry? It's between you and God, but was your calling ordained in some way. Are you struggling with sin? Just because people call you pastor doesn't mean you aren't human and capable of sin. Confront it, ask God's forgiveness about it, quit it, and get some accountability. Are you a fit for your church or is your church a fit for you? This is a broad question, but you have to be honest with yourself. For example, do you find yourself complaining about any aspect of your church? Does your personal theology match up with the church theology? Does your church require more of you than you can give? Do you require from the church more than they can give? I am not talking about money here, but things such as spiritual guidance or opportunities to be challenged in other areas of ministry.

This is the shortlist for self examination when I felt burnt out and not useful to God. Once you figure some of these things out you have to act on them.

If you can identify with any of this and want a prayer partner in this area send me an email.