Youth Ministry - The Man Behind the Curtain

It's easy for us to look at each other from the outside and think that the other youth pastor has it all together, or that they've never had to struggle like we have. Here is a realistic "look behind the curtain" at the day to day difficulties in youth ministry, either real or perceived. These struggles are not insurmountable, there are just times when "the tide goes out" and for the Audience of One, you continue to steward the ministry entrusted to you until God moves you on.

 

Struggles in Ministry

Lack of ministry partners

Loosing ministry partners

Lack of Harvest

Not being valued because of who I work with (middle school students).

Minimal effort from students (lack of inviting friends or be-friending visitors)

Seasons of conflict (work & home)

Lack of obedience at work (staff not doing what they're supposed to)

A supervisor "holding everything up"

Being pulled into things I don't care about

Having ministries thrust upon me without feeling personally called to them

Lack of support for my family (who can watch the kids?)

Always being on the go

Lack of energy 

No time to create

Office politics

Lack of timely words to share with others

Difficulty getting enough exercise

No time to get out and play basketball

Anxious around authority figures

An Unhappy Parent(s)

Self doubt

Desire to Recreate

Want to get out on the water and relax

Want to make better memories with my kids

Lost dreams

I want to have 100 students in the youth group

I want dedicated workers and worship team

I don't want to have to teach 100+ times a year

Let's be honest... Hair loss... 

Lack of congregational cooperation (just sitting there)

Someone to care enough about me to give me a sabbatical

No budget for interns

Wishing camp could "just get paid for" for all students

Surrendered Dreams

I want to make a difference

I want to matter in light of eternity

I want progress and self actualization

Wanting someone safe to help me "mine" the concerns/dreams of my heart

No one to dream with

Finances 

Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion