Newbies wanting to go into Youth Ministry HELP!

[Kalli]

My husband and I feel a strong calling to into youth ministry. He feels led to do Teen Ministry, which I have no qualms about, however we have no true experience with the teens. I asked him tonight was he prepared to face the things that teens are facing, drugs, addiction, abortion, sex, etc? He was like timid.
We've led 3 VBS's and have done a few other events mostly geared towards children. He is fixing to get his B.S in Religion, but it will be next year. We've applied for Youth Ministry jobs, however I feel doubt creeping in because we are such novices. I don't doubt our callings, nor do I doubt our desires. I just want the Lord to lead, and know He will but I feel that us applying to these "jobs" were a little premature.
We are 22 with no children and really like to help others grow in Christ, (myself I like dealing with children, young adults and adults, I would like to become a laity Christian counselor). But my wishes are just that.
Would it be wise with us as novices to apply for these jobs and/or relocate to places because of them? My dad is a pastor of 3 years but we didn't have to move for the church, praise God.
Please help us, advice, criticism and encouragement welcome.
Blessings!

 

[Trelawrence]

Hello... don't really have the time to answer this second, but I just want you to know that your thread is not being ignored!

 

[Kalli]

thanks so much I was beginning to wonder, still praying feverently, blessings to all.

 

[floridasun]

Hi Kalli !! ... that's wonderful God has called you and your husband into the youth ministry...

As far as having experience, the first thing that came into my mind was the disciples...they did not have "experience" to become followers of Jesus...He called them and they followed...

Since you and your husband have heard God's call, I would encourage you to follow His leading...Let God take care of you and any doubt you might have !!

I will pray for you and your husband...

Lord's blessings to you and your husband...

 

[heymikey80]

Suggested Books?

Chap Clark, "Hurt"

Clark has a book out that I *haven't* read, but it sounds so relevant it might be worth checking out: "Deep Ministry in a Shallow World"

An older one: Dewey Bertollini, "Back to the Heart of Youth Ministry". This one always has something to say to me.

You guys can both smoothly handle a bunch of kids keeping you awake indefinitely without losing your temper -- right? =smile=

 

[stephanieamber]

What's that saying? God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called.
A few years ago, the Lord lead me to a group of really hurting girls. I was in no position to be in ministry (it's amazing to me that someone didn't pull me out) but God worked in me and through the girls, and gave me the tools and skills I needed to develop a thriving ministry.

The Bible is FULL of ill-equipped leaders who do great things when they take what little they have to offer and give it to the Lord. If it is your calling, the Lord will bless your faithfulness

 

[Windlord]

My husband and I feel a strong calling to into youth ministry. He feels led to do Teen Ministry, which I have no qualms about, however we have no true experience with the teens. I asked him tonight was he prepared to face the things that teens are facing, drugs, addiction, abortion, sex, etc? He was like timid.
We've led 3 VBS's and have done a few other events mostly geared towards children. He is fixing to get his B.S in Religion, but it will be next year. We've applied for Youth Ministry jobs, however I feel doubt creeping in because we are such novices. I don't doubt our callings, nor do I doubt our desires. I just want the Lord to lead, and know He will but I feel that us applying to these "jobs" were a little premature.
We are 22 with no children and really like to help others grow in Christ, (myself I like dealing with children, young adults and adults, I would like to become a laity Christian counselor). But my wishes are just that.
Would it be wise with us as novices to apply for these jobs and/or relocate to places because of them? My dad is a pastor of 3 years but we didn't have to move for the church, praise God.
Please help us, advice, criticism and encouragement welcome.
Blessings!

I'm also praying about going into Youth Ministry and while I already have my B.A. in Religious Studies, I don't have any experience yet. But I can tell you, this is what I've found out so far.

First, let me tell you that if you are called to Youth Ministry you're already more qualified than half the youth ministers out there. Unfortunately a great many youth pastors think of it as a stepping stone to gain experience for the day they get their M.Div and become a Senior Pastor. The simple fact that you feel called to be in Youth Ministry and it's not just a two or three year gig means a lot.

Second, if you feel uncomfortable still and don't know, I'd recommend taking a 3-6 month internship in Youth Ministry to get experience. It's low commitment, doesn't have the same intensity as being in charge of a ministry yourself, it's good training, and it can teach you a lot. I'm going to be working at a Summer Christian Camp myself this year.

God's peace and blessing be upon you!

 

[~Beauty_from_Pain~]

My husband and I feel a strong calling to into youth ministry. He feels led to do Teen Ministry, which I have no qualms about, however we have no true experience with the teens. I asked him tonight was he prepared to face the things that teens are facing, drugs, addiction, abortion, sex, etc? He was like timid.
We've led 3 VBS's and have done a few other events mostly geared towards children. He is fixing to get his B.S in Religion, but it will be next year. We've applied for Youth Ministry jobs, however I feel doubt creeping in because we are such novices. I don't doubt our callings, nor do I doubt our desires. I just want the Lord to lead, and know He will but I feel that us applying to these "jobs" were a little premature.
We are 22 with no children and really like to help others grow in Christ, (myself I like dealing with children, young adults and adults, I would like to become a laity Christian counselor). But my wishes are just that.
Would it be wise with us as novices to apply for these jobs and/or relocate to places because of them? My dad is a pastor of 3 years but we didn't have to move for the church, praise God.
Please help us, advice, criticism and encouragement welcome.
Blessings!

I guess it depends on what Teen challenge requires. You've got to start somewhere. I have been working with teens for the past 3 years now and really feel called into some sort of ministry, but I just don't know where yet is the problem. So I'm trying to figure that out myself.

Working with teens is a very tough job, but if you know you have a passion for them and God has called you, you learn as you go. So long as God is doing the calling He will make the way clear for you.