Will Strong
St. Anthony Youth Minister
St. Anthony Youth Minister
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I chose a career in youth ministry originally because of what I saw God doing in my youth pastor's life that I wanted to be like him. I've stayed in youth ministry for over ten years now because youth ministry has chosen me. Believe me I've tried to run away. I tried to hide behind other jobs and ministry positions, but the reality is I am a Youth Minister.
I'm called to youth ministry because there are students in this world who need to know they are loved. They need to know that they are loved by God and by a community of people. Students need to know that they belong to something that is much bigger than any one of us. Youth ministry is a place where students can ask questions openly about topics of any nature. Youth ministry is a place where they can struggle with their faith and doubts. Youth group is a time of normalcy or quiet amidst what is going on in their families or at school. Youth group is a place of retreat.
Everyday youth are bombarded with people, media and ideas telling them that they aren't good enough.That they aren't pretty enough, athletic enough, smart enough, etc. but when they walk through the doors of the youth room they are told that they are beautiful, strong, loved, valued, cared for and created in God's image.They know that no matter what others may tell them they belong and are loved unconditionally by God, adults and peers without judgement.
Youth ministry is filled with a variety if students. Some come from divorced parents, some are struggling with self image, peer pressure, self harm, loneliness, abandonment issues, just to name a few. But for two hours or more a week they are listened to, validated, and empowered to be a better person because of Jesus Christ.
God has given us the beautiful gift of youth ministry; and it's up to us as a church, a youth group and as adults, to share it with others.
How will you share this gift?
I'm called to youth ministry because there are students in this world who need to know they are loved. They need to know that they are loved by God and by a community of people. Students need to know that they belong to something that is much bigger than any one of us. Youth ministry is a place where students can ask questions openly about topics of any nature. Youth ministry is a place where they can struggle with their faith and doubts. Youth group is a time of normalcy or quiet amidst what is going on in their families or at school. Youth group is a place of retreat.
Everyday youth are bombarded with people, media and ideas telling them that they aren't good enough.That they aren't pretty enough, athletic enough, smart enough, etc. but when they walk through the doors of the youth room they are told that they are beautiful, strong, loved, valued, cared for and created in God's image.They know that no matter what others may tell them they belong and are loved unconditionally by God, adults and peers without judgement.
Youth ministry is filled with a variety if students. Some come from divorced parents, some are struggling with self image, peer pressure, self harm, loneliness, abandonment issues, just to name a few. But for two hours or more a week they are listened to, validated, and empowered to be a better person because of Jesus Christ.
God has given us the beautiful gift of youth ministry; and it's up to us as a church, a youth group and as adults, to share it with others.
How will you share this gift?
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