Behind the scenes

I have been involved in the Youth Group at my church for over a year now. It is the first time I have really been involved as what I guess you would call a leadership position in a youth group. I say that hesitantly because that still feels odd to call myself that. Then I think of Jeff and I feel a little better about myself (thank God for a church where Jeff can be a youth leader j/k). Seriously though it has been a very eye opening year. I have heard many people comment about being involved with youth. Too many comments are negative.

“Glad it’s you and not me.”

“Teenagers are just so selfish and full of drama”

I can tend to agree with this to some degree. But my rebuttal is “so were you and I at that age” Too many people who consider themselves adults are still that way. One assumption is that students don’t seem to live in the real world. People also like to assume that youth pastors have a “cake” job. They get to hang out and have a good time. All the time.

I. beg. to. differ.

I cannot begin to explain the way God has been breaking my heart over our youth group. Cue Brandon Heaths song “give me your eyes”. I have begun to see things I missed before. Too many youth deal with issues that incase soo much hurt for someone that age. Parents divorce (on their birthday).Broken homes. Drugs. Alcohol. Suicide. Sex. Abuse. Porn.

At such a young age they are already tainted by the sin of this world. I understand that we are born into sin. It’s inevitable. It is just heart breaking to think they are beginning to lose that child like innocence earlier and earlier.

Youth pastors deal with these issues on a constant basis. Being that person these kids talk to about all the sorrow they experience. It has to take a toll.

All of this would seem hopeless and beyond redemption .
Without God. Without Jesus and the cross. It changes everything.

I thank God for JJ and Beth. For youth pastors and youth leaders. Shining the light for those dealing with so much at such a young age. I would be mistaken to dwell on the pain and sorrow. We have a good time in youth. We laugh and sing and dance. Most of all we love. I have seen friendships begin. Bonds created that won’t be forgotten easily. Two football players from separate schools who should by definition be rivals. Begin one of the biggest man crush’s I have ever seen. I am constantly humbled by the faith some of these kids have.

These are people who are the next in line to run the world. To change the world. Be the next President. Create the next iPad. Respond to the worlds cries of hunger and thirst. Reach the lost. How could we not invest in them?  We have no choice but to put our hope in them.

We can’t let them down.