The Inglorious Life of a Youth Director

Not but 10 minutes ago, I was drowning my hands in at least 500 pounds of rotten pumpkin... In that moment, I had a thought: "I love my job." Not what you expected, right?? The life of a youth director is far from glorious. It is sometimes referred to as the hardest ministry position there is. Ignorance would lead us to believe that during our time of service hands will stay clean, and roads will remain unblocked. But this is far from the reality. You will find yourself wallowing in a perpetual mess and fighting an inevitable war with traditions and hearsay.

I don't say these things to rag on one church or deter anyone from taking a position in youth ministry or any ministry affiliate. I simply say these things to explain my leading statement. Burying my hands in a mush of rot wasn't included in my job description. Loading a shopping cart full of festering pumpkins outside the church office, people passed without saying a word. Not that I expected them to say a word, but there was an unspoken apology in their quick glances. In my brief time spent as a youth director, I have realized how much I need God, and how necessary it is to ask for help. I have realized that no question I will have to deal with those situations that everyone tries to avoid. I have realized that the most broken and sometimes self-destructive people are the ones that come searching for love. And it is not my job to turn them away.

This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, hands down. When I tell people that, they are often surprised. It is also not my job to complain... maybe, that's where the surprise comes. Jesus did those jobs that people didn't want to do, taking great care to do them well. I think of when He washes the disciples feet... How gross. But how utterly selfless. Visiting with lepers... We have a hard time hanging out with people that have hygiene issues, no less flesh eating diseases. I wish I could say that I am that strong, but there are times that I ignore, avoid, whine, and cry. Perfection is not my strong suit. It's not supposed to be. Lucky for us, we are all on the same level and imperfect playing field.

I thank God for my triumphs, my failures, and my rotten pumpkins. It is all here to glorify Him, and therefore becomes my joy. Life would be worth living if we just thought past ourselves. However inglorious, I feel dignified and honored to be serving in the capacity that I do in ministry. If everything was easy, lessons would remain unlearned and people would remain unreachable. Serve outside your limited parameters, and who knows, you might find yourself in a marvelous state of dependence. Dependence on the Almighty, who through grace, redeems and frees. Love in its original form...

Make a mess. Grow a ministry. Love a nation.

-k10