Making time to be Together... we're better for it!

It is a great privilege to be a guest on this blog, and to share my ups and downs as a youth pastor; what I've learned along the way and what has impacted my life and ministry over the years. I would have to say the greatest resource that I have encountered over the last 20 years is my relationships with other pastors, mentors, peers and students that have changed me for the better. I learned early on that being a "lone ranger" in ministry, especially youth ministry, is a dangerous temptation; one that we all must battle and face head on. But, it has been those moments when I was knee-deep in work and programs and cool youth stuff that I was challenged to "step back" away from myself, and invest time and energy into another... and I'm not talking about the students we passionately pour our lives into on a regular basis.

We need each other and we need to take time out of our so called "busy" ministry schedules to be with one another; to listen, to pray, to challenge, to share, and yes, sometimes even get new ideas. I have noticed in the history of this blog that NO ONE has commented or responded to postings. I am sure you have your reasons, but being too busy does not cut it in today's youth ministry landscape; you and I can not make it on our own. We were not created to walk alone... May I suggest that over the next several months, for as long as I am asked to guest blog here in this corner of cyber-space, that you and I and others like us join together to read one of the best youth ministry resource books out there on the market?

TODAY, treat yourself to purchasing the book, Jesus-Centered Youth Ministry (ISBN: 978-0-7644-3504-1) by Rick Lawrence, Executive Editor of Group Magazine. This book will enlighten you, challenge you to lead students differently, give you insight into where your ministry with students should be heading, and save you time from all the busyness of programs and events. Plus, it will give us something to talk about here! I will be blogging about this book for several posts; I invite you to join in on the conversation. If you can't afford a copy of the book, let me know and we'll take care of that hurdle for you... We are stronger Together!