As a youth pastor and ministry leader that works with teens, I feel so blessed. I have a unique opportunity to influence and shape the next generation. I am in a position that comes with much responsibility, one that I do not take lightly. I want the next generation to be able to stand strong for the right things and to be people that can lead others.
I was thinking earlier today about Jesus and how he invested in the lives of people and how he had to teach them many things before he left this earth. He particularly invested in 12 people, even though one of them would betray Him (Judas) and another would deny Him (Peter) and another one would doubt Him (Thomas). Yet Jesus taught them all he could.
If we go further into the bible we see where Paul played a significant role in raising up leaders. He would go into a new city, teach people the truth, identify potential leaders and let them learn from him. How did he let them learn? By allowing them to follow his example! You see when Paul would leave a city to start a new church he had to trust those who were raised up to make a difference in those areas.
The youth of today are the future leaders of tomorrow. I have sensed very clearly that one of the greatest offering I can bring to teens is to teach them how to be real, how to be genuine, how to really care, how to lead others and how to love others and love God.
One of the things that Jesus really focused on was how to be truly compassionate. He desired for His followers to be real people that really cared. He was not interested in being surrounded by religious people, in fact I think they nauseated Him with their behavior. If you know about Jesus and what he taught and how He lived, He really loved and cared for people.
My purpose in ministry is to prepare as many of this young generation to be more like Christ. I want them to love well, care well, pray well, lead well and serve others well. If they learn that from me I will have achieved what He has called me to do.
I have great hope for this young generation but I also realize they are faced with an ever increasing difficult challenge. Why? Because everything else tells them to, serve yourself, climb over everyone else, follow the latest stuff, and to treat other people nicely if you want something.
I hope they see what is the right way to live!
No comments:
Post a Comment