I believe that Youth Leaders should use every ounce of our gifts, talents, and abilities to help the next generation as they walk their own faith journey. But tonight, as I lead a lock-in at the church, it strikes me that there is something different about our youth group that I have never seen in over 15 years of volunteering for and leading youth groups. Something that I haven’t ever heard in podcasts or in any book about ministry. And it may be the greatest reason why my ministry has survived the last 3 years.
I know I am being cagey, but before I tell you, I think it’s important to think about what makes our ministries different from one another’s. What is that unique fingerprint of your ministry that only you bring? What are you most passionate about? What is the thing in life that you love more than anything else? For me, it’s being a big ole nerd. Whether it’s Dungeons and Dragons, video games, mythology, or scripture, I love digging deep into things – just as much as I enjoy the thing itself. So naturally, I love digging deeper into my teaching and creating fun teaching series. I also love connecting with people and hearing their stories; not just what they are going through, but hearing the events that made them who they are and led them to what they love.
Ok, now I’ll share what I noticed tonight. It’s something that I have always had in my life: dogs. My dogs, Rex and Luna, are something I would have never thought would be a part of ministry. And yet, these two Pitbulls are SUCH an important part of mine. I love dogs, I have always had dogs in my life, but these dogs are different. Rex is the perfect therapy dog; he loves getting pets and cuddles, all 80 pounds of him. Luna has endless energy and loves playing with people; fetch is her favorite. We had always brought Rex around to youth stuff because he had separation anxiety, which got better when we got Luna, but the students demanded that we keep bringing them around to youth group. Sure, it’s often chaotic and loud, but these dogs are as much a part of this youth group as the leaders are.
They are there when students are having a rough time and just need devoted attention (Rex’s eye contact is unparalleled) and a listening ear. They make all of our students feel like they are in a safe place where they can be themselves, and that’s because I am. I am able to bring a big part of my family with me to work!
Having many students’ friends come visit, not expecting to see two Pitbulls, causes some hesitancy to say the least, but after the meeting and sniffing, the easing into this unexpected situation, new friends become the ones cuddling the dogs and obsessing over them the most. I’ll reiterate: I am a dog person! But I never would have ever thought that my two dogs would have been as big a part of the youth group as they are, and it’s made all the difference.
So, this is my food for thought at the end of a long night with students as they are getting ready for bed. And I’ll leave you with these questions:
What is a part of your DNA that could benefit your youth program?
What is the part of you (that isn’t in the ministry books or the guides) that brings you life?
What is the part of you that doesn’t seem to fit into the world of youth ministry?
Sure, it might be weird. Sure, it might cause a stir with some members of the congregation. Sure, maybe not everyone will love it… but what passion of yours is missing from the amazing work you get to do? Try to figure out a way to make those two things come together. It will be so life-giving to both you and your students.
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