Found my calling

[zach88]

Hiya all, i'm a 21 year old (i know this sounds like the start of a dating site ad lol) and recently discharged from the army. Well recently i've been sitting around doing jack and feeling sorry for myself; thinking bout going to college thinking bout getting a job.... none of which sounded good. But tonight i came to the realization that i should pursue being a youth minister. My eyes went wide at that realization. I love working with kids and i love spreading the word so why not. I think kids need a positive role model to look up to that makes the word seem not soo boring and old and i would love to be the one to do that. God works in some weird ways, and i thank him so much for laying this path before me.

 

[doulos_tou_kuriou]

Zack, I am thrilled that you feel that God is pulling towards ministry to our young. I would hope that in coming to this revelation you share this with your pastor/congregation. Entering the ministry is a communal task, and needs the support and direction of the whole community. It is also a way in which God can affirm our calling or warn us that this might not be our best vocation. If this is what you have your heart set on, let your congregation know, let them affirm your gifts, let them share their thoughts with you. Allow them to become a suuport group for you so that you are able to be firm in your calling and upheld in your work.

Just a side note on youth ministry, this is not to discourage you but to be certain that you are aware of this, more than many others in church work, youth ministers have a high burn out/identity crisis as they reach middle age and feel that they have become seperated from the next generation of youth. Many feel that they can no longer do their ministry and have no experience or education in any other fields. I say this so that if this is what you decide to do, perhaps you could be aware of this when going through education. Integrate other fields into your youth ministry so that if one day you feel you can no longer do it, you still have a field to enter into.

And this is not a shot at youth ministry positions, it is a great and God given gift to the church, but it is ok to realize that if/when you are unable to do it anymore you still are comfortable with the education you have to engage in a related field that you may still feel comfortable with.

Just some helpful advice. God's blessings to you as you continue your path and ministry.

Pax

 

[AngCath]

This former youth minister wishes you well - you have no idea the kind of excitement and blessing you're in for.
doulos is correct, it is a high stress position, but hopefully you'll have a supportive pastor... that made all the difference for me.

God bless your future ministry!