MILE MARKER OF SUCCESS #1: WHEN TEENAGERS TAKE YOU FOR GRANTED
On a cold December night, I said farewell to the youth ministry I'd led for 13 incredible years in Rockford, Illinois. On my last night at the church, the team members I was leaving behind organized a special celebration titled "Legacy." It was an evening of reflection, laughter, and love. One by one, these dear people told how the ministry had permanently marked their lives. At the close of the service they honored me with a platinum ring that was inscribed, "A Legacy of No Regrets."
As I reflect on that unforgettable night, I see more clearly the mile markers that pointed the way to enduring success. Did they include the crowds that showed up at our amphitheater every Wednesday night? No. What about the national recognition that came my way? No. Or how about the spiritual fireworks that often characterized our weekly services? Nope.
In my 5+ decades of ministry, I've discovered that there are three "Success Mile Markers" that will let you know when you are on the right road to youth ministry success.
You know you're a success in youth ministry when teenagers take you for granted and fail to appreciate all you do.
This might sound strange, but when you parallel your youth ministry to Christ's experience with His disciples, it makes sense. The 12 guys on His ministry team never sang, "How Great Thou Art," to Him. In fact, they often seemed unimpressed by the sacrifices Jesus made to minister among them. They were quick to fall asleep when He asked them to pray, quick to lose their tempers when He didn't give them their way, and quick to act like they didn't even know Him when they were threatened.
Looking back on my years in youth ministry, I believe discipleship is a love-hate relationship. We can't significantly impact our students unless we spend time with them. Yet the more time we spend with them, the more they take us for granted.
Just before I announced I would be leaving my ministry in Rockford, I was in the ladies' restroom prior to our Wednesday night youth service. Hidden behind the stall doors, I had no choice but to eavesdrop on a few teenage girls who came running in to make their final glamor check. One girl told her friend how "boring" she thought my talks were. They quickly finished and ran out the door laughing, unaware that I'd overheard the whole thing. I managed to smile and remind myself that "God's not out to hurt my pride, He's out to kill it!" I walked out of the restroom, notes in hand, to give another one of my "boring talks."
A week later, when I announced I was moving to another church, guess who lingered to tell me what a difference I'd made in her life? Guess who tearfully told me no one would ever be able to take my place? And guess who quietly asked me if we were sure we were doing the right thing? That's right, it was my restroom ego booster!
So, what had changed? Nothing, except she realized I wasn't going to be around much longer. Did it bother me? Not really. As I read the New Testament, the 12 in Christ's "youth group" weren't too impressed with Him either...at least not until His Father moved Him to a new location.
As I reflect on that unforgettable night, I see more clearly the mile markers that pointed the way to enduring success. Did they include the crowds that showed up at our amphitheater every Wednesday night? No. What about the national recognition that came my way? No. Or how about the spiritual fireworks that often characterized our weekly services? Nope.
In my 5+ decades of ministry, I've discovered that there are three "Success Mile Markers" that will let you know when you are on the right road to youth ministry success.
You know you're a success in youth ministry when teenagers take you for granted and fail to appreciate all you do.
This might sound strange, but when you parallel your youth ministry to Christ's experience with His disciples, it makes sense. The 12 guys on His ministry team never sang, "How Great Thou Art," to Him. In fact, they often seemed unimpressed by the sacrifices Jesus made to minister among them. They were quick to fall asleep when He asked them to pray, quick to lose their tempers when He didn't give them their way, and quick to act like they didn't even know Him when they were threatened.
Looking back on my years in youth ministry, I believe discipleship is a love-hate relationship. We can't significantly impact our students unless we spend time with them. Yet the more time we spend with them, the more they take us for granted.
Just before I announced I would be leaving my ministry in Rockford, I was in the ladies' restroom prior to our Wednesday night youth service. Hidden behind the stall doors, I had no choice but to eavesdrop on a few teenage girls who came running in to make their final glamor check. One girl told her friend how "boring" she thought my talks were. They quickly finished and ran out the door laughing, unaware that I'd overheard the whole thing. I managed to smile and remind myself that "God's not out to hurt my pride, He's out to kill it!" I walked out of the restroom, notes in hand, to give another one of my "boring talks."
A week later, when I announced I was moving to another church, guess who lingered to tell me what a difference I'd made in her life? Guess who tearfully told me no one would ever be able to take my place? And guess who quietly asked me if we were sure we were doing the right thing? That's right, it was my restroom ego booster!
So, what had changed? Nothing, except she realized I wasn't going to be around much longer. Did it bother me? Not really. As I read the New Testament, the 12 in Christ's "youth group" weren't too impressed with Him either...at least not until His Father moved Him to a new location.