The last time I went on a retreat that had nothing to do with youth ministry was over 15 years ago, and that’s not okay. It’s funny to think about considering how many retreats I’ve planned and organized for volunteers, parents, and teenagers. It’s odd to think about how many times I’ve let my spiritual development go because I was too busy coordinating it for others.
You cannot lead a ministry if your spiritual tank is on empty. Not only will you risk burning out, but you’ll put your complete faith in jeopardy. As men and women who work in the trenches of ministry, we need spiritual replenishment because it feeds us, fuels us, and brings us closer to the God we’ve poured so much of our lives into sharing. So, how do we fill our spiritual cup while pouring into the lives of teens, parents, and parishioners?
Even if you are a self-starter who can pick up a devotional and build up your spiritual arsenal, it’s still wise to have a few people to help you grow. To engage in spiritual development is to participate in a battle where it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most.
The ideal situation is to have a spiritual director who can pray with you and provide exercises to help you develop different habits. To find one, ask your pastor, reach out to your diocese, or connect with a local Catholic University. Find someone you can connect with and build trust.
If you can’t find a spiritual director, then ask someone to be your prayer partner, that person can be a coworker or fellow youth minister. Meet with them regularly (e.g., monthly) or when needed. They don’t need to give you advice, but pray, ask about your faith journey, and offer encouragement.
Finding accountability doesn’t need to be complicated, but it’s something all of us in the trenches of ministry should embrace. It’s another way of not going through ministry alone.
If your struggle is finding habits or practices to embrace, then look at what you are telling students. I’ve found that some of the best tools for me are ones that I give the teenagers. Whether it’s a devotional, a study or even a memory verse practicing what I preach has been tremendous.
But, it’s not just about spiritual habits like reading the Bible that we need to live out. Another way to grow is by engaging in small groups and serving in outreach opportunities. It’s also important to tithe and participate in the sacraments as much as possible.
By making your spiritual formation a priority, you will strengthen your ability to share the faith with others. You will be able to teach with more personal examples and share practical strategies that have aren’t theory. But, practicing what you preach isn’t just about integrity, it’s also about growing in your relationship with God.
It’s one thing to have a toolbox of resources; it’s another thing to put them together in a comprehensive plan. Faith formation should be fluid; however, it also needs to be intentional. Whether it’s a 40 day devotional or consistent meeting with a spiritual director, putting it in your calendar will lead to success. It’s just like a diet or working out; consistency is critical because it builds you up and makes you stronger.
If you work in a church, you need to be a growing disciple that grows disciples, stop putting your faith journey second and start investing in yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s allowing you to build the strength and capacity you need to spread the Good News.