Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit (
Every year there are thousands of youth directors/youth pastors, who leave youth work. Some cite conflicts with church leadership as the reason. Others make reference to low pay or the feelings they are unsupported. Some refer to their situation as burnout.
Indeed, the demands of youth work are high, and the rewards (at least in terms of salary, benefits and equal status) often are low. That’s why youth leaders, perhaps more than others on the church staff, need to know when they have reached their limits…and they need to learn how to work smart, not longer or harder.
Centuries ago, the apostle Paul referred to these things when he wrote about using our gifts. A youth leader cannot forget his or her gifts for ministry are Spirit-given. These gifts come from God. If we recognize that these gifts come from God, then we know ultimately the work isn’t about us. The gifts for ministry have been given by God for the building up of the church.
Take stock of your own ministry this month. In fact, make the time to keep a ministry journal. Keep track of your hours, how you are spending your time and your energies. You likely feel that you can’t get everything accomplished.
The answer might not be working longer hours, but working smarter. Allow other people to help you. Bring other gifted people into your circle of influence. Involve the youth themselves in leadership. Becoming a trainer, a nurturer—not necessarily a doer. In time you will discover that your gifts for youth ministry are blossoming and that others are making your work not only effective, but fulfilling. That’s not burnout. That’s blessing—a wonderful thing to experience.
