The bus ride home was long, but everyone was filled with the Spirit. It’s hard to believe it took me so long to attend my first National Catholic Youth Conference, but I’m glad I did. To be praising and adoring God in a football stadium with 20,000 other people is humbling. It’ll be exciting to it again in 2021.
I love the people who came together to create an incredible experience for the young church, and it’s a reminder that by investing in their faith journey, amazing things can happen. At the same time, I wondered, “What about me? Who’s investing in me?”
These are questions that I know many of us are asking, and they are being addressed on a national level. My hope for the National Conference of Catholic Youth Ministry is that we’re able to provide that support; however, it doesn’t just stop there.
While a national conference that addresses these issues would help, what we also need to do is:
Church people can be territorial. If a teen from my church ends up in your youth ministry, it’s easy for me to feel a little burned. If I see your event or youth space on social media, it’s easy for me to get a bit jealous. As youth ministers, we have to check our hearts, especially when it comes to one another; after all, we are on the same team.
When you think about other youth ministers, ask yourself, “How can I bless other youth workers with what God has given me?” If you have a resource you’ve used in the past, share it. If you are grabbing a bite to eat with them, make it your treat if you see or hear about something, they do then give them a shoutout or write them an encouraging text.
Again, we’re on the same side when it comes to reaching teens for Christ. Let’s focus on building one another up instead of tearing them down.
How you conduct yourself as a youth minister impacts the views others have on the profession of youth ministry. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or wear the occasional graphic t-shirt, but it does mean we have to look at how we conduct ourselves.
Your behavior as a leader will shape how others view your ministry. If people see that you can manage others well and use what’s been given to you, then it’ll be easier to communicate what else is needed. Work on your profession by seeking out articles, podcasts, and workshops that help you do that.
Praying for one another is a way we show our loves towards each other; however, I think it’s important to narrow in on this. What we do is a spiritual battle, and if I’m honest, there are days when doing the Lord’s work feels like an impossible feat. While I work hard to invest in my own prayer life, I know I’m blessed by those who are praying for me.
This holiday season, I want to invite you all to join me in praying for youth workers, their families, and the people they serve. To do that, sign up below for 30 days of prayer, starting December 1st. Each day we’ll send you a simple verse or quote of inspiration to remind you of the excellent work you and so many people are doing in youth ministry.
Moments, like the National Catholic Youth Conference, are a beautiful reminder of why what you do is so important. You have value and worth and won’t go unnoticed. Join me in prayer as we continue to work towards a brighter future for the next generation.