Cleaned out a closet and had a collision

Our HSM intern and I spent half the day moving in to our new student center this afternoon. We spent a lot time and effort prepping for Sunday. Clean out and setting up one of our closests. Its amazing what youth pastors hold on to… we a bunch of pack rats! I broke a sweat two times today, but as I worked I was very mindful of why we were working so hard.

There is so much we do as youth pastors behind the scenes. Cleaning closest. Setting up chairs so there are no bad seats in the house. We sit through countless student band practices wondering if they will ever “get it.” We stick around after the students have left to clean up so the church lady doesn’t yell at you. “Why cant you keep those teenagers under control.” And, we spend extra time browsing DYM to download the perfect sermon for next Wednesday night. (downloadyouthministry.com) Why? Because deep down we want to see students respond to Christ. Life change. But, being a youth pastor goes far beyond the stage.

I love Wednesday nights. It’s my opportunity to shepherd the flock. To share the truth God has given me. Admittedly, we have the big sound and lights. It’s real easy to fall in to the rock star, American idol, type of reality. But, I’m reminded every time I step on that stage… “He must increase and I must decrease.” We have a bunch of impressionable teenagers thinking you’re the coolest adult on the planet… But what they don’t know is you just walked on the stage with your fly down. So, how do I combat this temptation. I hang out with the interns and clean a closets.

Authentic collisions of faith happen when youth pastors humble themselves and recognize their place is to serve, teach, and connect students to the love of Christ. The big question is… Are your students admiring your dynamic personality or the reality of Christ in you?