June is fast approaching and high school graduations will be here before you can blink. Some of you will be saying "goodbye" to some of your most dedicated and loyal students; students who have ONLY known you as their "youth pastor". You have listened, you have cared, you have encouraged and you have challenged... you probably have even traveled with them and had some really amazing life-moments with them.
In my first youth ministry position, it seemed as though I had spent more time with some of our more committed students than I had with my own family. (I don't recommend this looking back now...)
Have you planned to honor them is some way? Are you planning to "bless" them in front of the whole congregation to acknowledge their commitment to your church family? Honor them with a gift; something they will really use and not just shelve with the other "great books of wisdom" and dust collecting trophies! Send them on their way with an age-appropriate copy of God's Word, or a daily devotional book that incorporates God's Word into the readings. For several years now, I have been using the Message Solo New Testament edition by Eugene Peterson and NavPress.
Put aside your adversarial feelings about the Message Bible and check this out... our kids seem to really benefit by the devotions found in this resource. To make them feel really special, spend the money on the "leather-like" edition; skip saving the money on paperback just this once! This resource comes in a full Bible edition as well.
Say "goodbye" to the students that have meant so much to you and your ministry. And don't forget to stay connected when they are gone... you will be amazed and humbled by the impact you have made in their life. Be blessed...
