Part: 11. Fall in Love with God Again.

Let's all admit one thing.  It's difficult to work in a church.   Every once in a while I find myself dreaming about being a volunteer again.  Showing up when I wanted.  Going to church because it was important to me and a part of my and not just because it was a part of my job.  I sometimes wonder if left up to myself how my relationship with the Church would work out. 

But then there is this realization for me that my relationship with 24-Hour Fitness looks like that.  It's all up to me.  I go when I want (or not at all) and over the last 10 years it's been a constant battle where I don't really feel that I've really figured out how to be consistent.

So for me working in the church is mostly a positive thing. It keeps me grounded, committed, focused and thinking about God each day.

But there is another struggle that at times my faith has become so tied to my job that it really isn't a big part of who I am.  That's the thing that scares me.   When I am in that phase where I open my Bible to prepare a talk or find myself mostly praying about job related stuff.

How to Fall in Love with God again?  Here's a couple thoughts.

1. Realize that youth ministry positions are some of the most flexible you will ever find.  If you can't find time to be alone and spend time with God you need to figure it out.

2. Understand that you having a strong relationship with God ultimately benefits the ministry.  Take time away, find some great books,  look for a mentor. 

3. Find a place you can worship without being a youth pastor.  I don't particularly like going to service at my church (although I do) because it's hard for me to take off my youth pastor hat.  I'm constantly looking for students, parents and other staff members.  I recommend finding something where you are outside of your role. It can be a another worship gathering (on top of your own church one)  a small group or maybe a retreat/camp with some young adults.

4. Commit to God daily.  I get frustrated with myself when I fall into the "everything is important so I'm going to do it all" trap.  Some of us jump into work so early in the day that we end up exhausted by the evening and can't really give God our best.  I recommend figuring out a way to connect with God that isn't left to the (if I have time) category in your life.

Part 1: Parents are your best friends or worst enemies.
Part 2: You won't like every kid and every kid won't like you.
Part 3: Perceived vs. Real Needs.
Part 4: Learn to say you are sorry.
Part 5: Better Safe than Sued
Part 6: Find friends outside of youth ministry.

Part 7: Stick to it
Part 8: It's not about you
Part 9: What you feed grows. What you starve Dies.
Part 10: Have a life outside of ministry.  Marriage/family/relationships.
Part 11: Fall in Love with God again.

Comments

[Jon]

I get this. Having worked at a church for 2 years awhile back, I understand the difficulty in separating them. I still have a hard time visiting that church without being in "work" mode.

#4 is where I'm at. I know I need to make time, but I don't want to fail again. It's like with me and flossing - I know I need to do it, so I buckle down...for 2 months, then I'm back to my old habit.

You say: "I recommend figuring out a way..." That's where I get stuck.

[Don]

Lars - all-in-all, these are some great reflections. I'm impressed by your transparency in these - and also in the fact that you resonated with these so much. It just proves how I much I was influenced by 3 years working with you!