youth ministry: an observation

So, as some of you know, I am a youth leader at my current church. I co-lead a small group of 6 wonderful junior high girls whom I adore to pieces. I also lead youth at my old Church back in the Hat, and I adore each and everyone of them to pieces too! I have always been so encouraged and so blessed by each one in so many different ways.

I have been doing this for....5ish years now. I started leading a group in my grade 12 year. And I did some random other stuff before too with Drama (Which can I just say... I miss doing drama stuff IMMENSELY!! Someday. I will do it again.)

Anyways. My observation about youth ministry came out of the ongoing.... struggle? (there is another word I want to put there... but can't seem to find it). of "figuring out" youth ministry. How to make it 'work' the best. To get the youth to be the most engaged, and the most challenged, and growing the most..

You leaders you know what I am talking about.
Each week is VASTLY different. One week... amazing conversation and deep questions.... next week... off the walls can't get anything out or in that is remotely related to the decided on topic.... next week... deep questions in the same breath as out of the blue random to do with nothing questions... next week... silence....

I dont get it.

TONS of books have been written on Youth Ministry... a couple of which I have read (and find quite useful)

But if I were to write a book.
This is what it would say.

Youth Ministry - An Observation
- the all you need to know guide to youth ministry -


page 1.

There are no tricks to youth ministry. You cannot/will not "figure it out"

page 2.

Stop trying.

page 3.

Start loving.

page 4

the end.


this would be my cover picture...



(the most common look you will see on me after a night with the youth)