So I'm a youth pastor. I've pretty much always been a youth pastor. It's all I know what to do. In the last couple of days I've gotten a few e-mails from parents who's students aren't connected, dealt with budget issues and just some overall stuff that are not the "fun" parts of youth ministry. But, even with those things I still love what I do and wouldn't change it for anything.
This weekend I'm hanging out with a couple thousand other youth workers. I'm here with a few of my staff from church which is great this time. I'm also here to teach a couple seminars which is cool. But, the part that I'm most looking forward to is to get to be with people who "get" me and understand what it is I'm doing with my life.
Being around other youth workers who love all parts of youth ministry is an amazing thing. I don't feel like I have to try to "explain" what it is I do with my life. I don't have to justify my role or why I hang with students all the time. I don't have to be the "slightly older guy" who is still hanging around and I don't feel guilty for wearing shorts and a v-neck. I love knowing that we all "get" each other and value the gifts, skills and sacrifices we make to do what we do.
I like the word "tribe" to describe the community of people who are involved in this life. Many of us have moved churches and even states over the years but when we come together we're still part of the same group. I could move across the world but when I come together with these folks wherever we are I still feel like I'm home.
Just a quick note to my tribe in Dallas. I love you. I love your quirkiness, I love your greatness complex, I love your khakis, the shirts tucked in and the way you dress up to go to lunch on Sundays even if you don't go to church. I love your hearts and the way you desire to do good. I love that Youth Ministry is a priority and that many churches recognize that. I love that resources are given towards youth ministry. We have a lot of work to do to raise up youth ministry in all parts of the Metroplex but I think we have a core of people that care enough that we can make it happen. I'd love if more of my Dallas friends would consider coming to the National Youth Workers Convention in Nashville Nov 17-22. Come with it we'd love to have you join us.
