“This is a complete injustice!” It was a blindside. This parent called me in my second week of youth ministry complaining that her son was not being placed in the right small group. She had requested that her son be with his friends and I being new did not know who his friends were. Her anger and frustration threw me for a loop and I didn’t know if I would survive.
Courtesy of Tabsinthe/Creative Commons License
The worst part of a blindside, is the paralyzing shock you experience. No one likes to be surprised; however, they happen in all aspects in our life. In youth ministry they happen in big and small ways. It’s all about the devil’s evil tricks to steal, kill and destroy your joy. If you don’t respond and recover it can build up resentment and frustration. To avoid a ministry blindside you need to make sure you:
Build Relationships: Building relationships are key to helping your recover from any blindside. It’s easy to feel isolated when you are caught by surprise. Having the right people there will help you move forward and shake any emotions or thoughts that are holding you back. Build healthy relationships with other youth workers, and in your personal life.
Embrace Healthy Habits: Sometimes it’s difficult to recover from a blindside because you just are completely drained. Getting sleep, eating right, and exercising isn’t just for your physical health, but spiritual as well. When you are worn out you have a higher tendency of reacting poorly and making mistakes. Protect your body and you’ll recover from any ministry blindside thrown your way.
Plan With God In The Center: It’s easy to mix up our priorities and put ourselves in the center of all things. Focus on God and blindsides will only temporarily distract you. Knowing the vision that God has for your life will help you get back on the path. Make sure you are scheduling quiet time and seek opportunities where you are being spiritual fed.
Whether it’s an angry parent or a sudden tragedy in the community ministry blindsides are there to trip you up. Make sure you have the right resources around you and that you are always looking to grow stronger as a leader.
How do you recover from a ministry blindside?
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