The average tenure of a youth pastor is approximately 18 months. Hard to believe? It's true. There are many reasons why. Too often churches and senior pastors just don't have the patience to allow young guys (and girls) to grow and make mistakes. Also, far too often youth pastors see their postion as a stepping stone to something else.
I've been youth pastor at Welcome for over 7 years now. Maybe because my pastor and my church allowed me to develop. Maybe because I never saw my position as a stepping stone.
Seven years is a long time. The coolest part of being here so long is seeing these students grow into amazing young adults. Last night at Flame, during and awesome prayer time, I found myself looking around the room. I saw the faces of so many young people that I admire. People who know Jesus. People who love Jesus. People who, if allowed, can take the church to new heights. People I'm going to miss so bad I can hardly stand it. (Ok, now I'm crying. Yeah, I'm a woman like that.)
You guys are an amazing generation. This is your church! Take responsibility for it! Don't abandon it! What the church should and could be is up to you! Make noise! Be loud! Don't shy away from leadership! Don't wait for it to come to you, go for it! Don't forget about each other! Stay close, all the while reaching out!
You are what keeps me going. You are the reason I do what I do. Just hanging out with you guys inspires me. You will be with me everywhere I go.
I love you guys!!
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Matt Smith
1 comment:
I think longevity is key to success. You have taught me many things and this is one of them.
You inspire people. You inspire me to be more than I am. Thanks so much for the impact you have on me. Thanks for the impact that you have on Welcome. Thanks for the impact you have on the kingdom of God. You will have many crowns in heaven! I know that God is not finish with you and that you are going to do some amazing things at Gboro.
Love ya dude.
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