A few weeks ago I attended a picnic with many who I serve in ministry with. At this gathering there was a pool with a volleyball net. Throughout the day there were many who cooled off in the pool. As the day went on I was drawn to the cooling powers of the pool. The more time I spent in the pool the more I was pulled into a volleyball match with a few other people. The competitors were new people to me. As I was introduced to the group that I would be playing against I heard the statement, “Kevin’s a youth pastor so you better watch out!”
Can I just be clear on this matter. Being a youth pastor doesn’t mean that you are the king of athletics. Being a youth pastor doesn’t mean that you are the coolest, hippest, most up to date in current fashion, trendy, rock star that walks the earth – trust me, most days I’m a dork!
As a youth pastor I try and connect young people with a loving God. I try and live my life as an example to ALL generations. I want people who spend time with me to walk away from our time together and think to themselves, “I feel like I was just with Jesus.” I am all too aware that this does not always happen. I want that to change. As I grow closer to God I want others to see that growth in me. I strive to be just as John the Baptist – “less of me, more of YOU.”
As a youth pastor I am not a star athlete. Nor am I the life of the party. For that matter, there are many parties that carry with them descriptions like “epic party”, “unbelievable”, “amazing” and “I can’t believe you weren’t there – it was the party of the decade”, and I have not been at any of them. I try and live my life as a humble guy who loves Jesus,loves my family and loves young people. As I work really hard to do that well I can see God at work in my life.
Rest assured. If you find yourself on the opposite side of the net in a volleyball match – you probably won’t get me spiking the ball into your grill. Chances are I’ll make a great attempt and miss. My prayer is that instead of rocking your world on the field I can challenge you to grow in your relationship with God and that will make all the difference…
Well said Kevin.
That being said, I will kick your butt at dodgeball!
Thanks Nate.
I just see to many stereotypes held for the youth pastor role. Too many people think we are just the immature pastors who like to hang around kids more than adults. We are fun loving, lack of planning, spontaneous insurance liabilities. I think that’s wrong.
I don’t want to be a friend to teenagers. I want to be their pastor. I want to push them, challenge them, encourage them to be better than they can be on their own. I want to help them see the future that God has planned for them and give them what they need to get there.
I think you should make that picture your profile picture! Jesus: “Simon, you’re a Rock!” Peter: “No, YOU rock!” Jesus: “No, YOU rock!” (Picture snap!)
Oh Brian! Have you yet to be introduced to Buddy Jesus? Buddy Jesus has all you need. If you hang with Buddy Jesus all your dreams will come true. Buddy Jesus wants to make all of your dreams come true.
Say yes to Buddy Jesus and your life will be full, rich and happy ALL the time.
Unfortunately that’s another garbage myth that some youth pastors have been taught to communicate to teens…