What’s next?

I believe that the Youth Ministry position is the most challenging position on a church staff.

I have said this for years during our orientation at camp where there are Youth Ministers and sponsors in the room. Often there are Pastors and other staff members present. Rarely has anyone challenged me.

There are several things that make the Youth Ministry position challenging. The short list is teens, parents, and supervisors. But none of these are the BIG ONE.

The BIG ONE is that the Youth Minister on church staff is the only staff member who has to ask the question, What’s next?

Every other person on staff can do what they are doing until they retire. A Youth Minister will most likely do something else.

So in the midst of all of the other things that a Youth Minister has to deal with, there is eventually this nagging question of, What’s next?

Once this question enters your headspace, it doesn't go away. I’ve learned this from those that have heard this speech.

It is not a reason to be discouraged or to give up. It is a reason to begin to dream of a transition where you will continue to be fulfilled in your God given call.

In the meantime, keep crushing it. There are great days ahead!