I used to cringe at the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” It makes like life sound like a popularity contest. Almost as if relationships were more important than knowledge. The truth is I didn’t understand it’s impact.
Courtesy of Scott Cresswell/Creative Commons License
Who you know will not only determine how long you will last, but how far you will go. Ministry is very relational. Who you know will help you build trust with parents. It will help you reach out to more teens.
Who you know goes beyond the parents, the teens and even your volunteers. It extends all the way to:
You should know your pastor because he employs you, but how well do you really know him? While a pastor should invest in his staff you need to invest in him too. Investing in your pastor means leading up and asking, “How can I serve you?”
The more your pastor sees your investment, the more he’ll trust you. He’ll not only give you more responsibility but listen to suggestions that you have. And when you face conflict you can count on him having your back.
Knowing the leadership in your church is essential to advocating youth ministry to the community. The men and women who make up your parish council represent the community you are serving. Get to know them and they’ll start to see that youth ministry is more than pizza.
How long you last in ministry depends on the support you have around you. One of the best supports you can have is a network of other youth ministers. A network means community.
When you now the people in your network you will begin to see that youth ministry is bigger than you. It helps give you a larger perspective on what God has called you to do. To find a network talk to the division of youth ministry in your diocese or region. Or you can search databases like NNYM (National Network of Youth Ministry).
Another form of support can come from an accountability group. While this could be made up of other youth ministers it does not have to be. But, it should be same sex. This is where you can share personal, and professional struggles.
This group is meant to challenge in a positive manner. Knowing these individuals will help you grow as a person and disciple of Christ. They’ll be there for you when times get rough. They will lift you up when you need it the most.
The more you know God the more you’ll understand your purpose and craft. It sounds obvious but many of us go through ministry not knowing God. We act like it and play the part, but it’s not real.
Get to know God by intentionally spending time with him. Journal, read scripture and just engage him on a regular basis. The more you know him the more you’ll see how to navigate in and through the messiness that comes with ministry.
Who you knows matters because ministry is so relational. Without the right relationships you’ll feel alone. When you feel alone you are vulnerable. Network, connect and reach out to those around you. When you join with others you become stronger and your ministry will thrive.
[reminder] Outside of parents, teens and volunteers who else is essential to your ministry’s success? [/reminder]
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