Replies to This Discussion

NADPermalink Reply by Scott Ward on November 26, 2008 at 5:01pm

Don't give up God's calling for the call of men! I'm with the youth till Jesus comes!

Permalink Reply by Pastor Manny || AYS Founder on November 26, 2008 at 5:39pm

I think many believe that the "Youth Pastor" phase is determined by age. I disagree. I know several colleagues who "used" to be Youth Pastors but have moved on to a Senior Pastor or Administrative role. I agree with you man, I've been a Pastor for 15 years and always have had and will always have a Youth Pastor "heart" and I believe it is my calling. I have been a Senior Pastor of several churches in my ministry and have always been drawn to our youth and young adults in my churches. Maybe there aren't more youth pastors because in our church structure there aren't many openings for YP's? Just a thought...Blessings and thanks for the Discussion.

GlobalPermalink Reply by Pastor Iymarie K. Smith on January 6, 2009 at 10:09am

I believe the stigma with being a YP is that it is not a "conference" employed position. When one seeks to be hired and placed by the conference, one doesn't interview for the position of Youth Pastor. There are few churches within the NAD that have the size warranted for 2 or 3 paid pastoral positions. Furthermore, most churches that do employ a YP, pay for that position out of their church expenses. Of course there are many, but for brevity, I can only think of 2 that employ YP's; Oakwood University Church and the Mt. Rubidoux Church. I cannot say for certain, but I believe the YP's of these churches are conference employed and ordained. So, the stigma then comes from many of the members that the YP is not as qualified or has the same authority as the Sr. Pastor. I've had members get upset because the YP came to visit them in the hospital or at home; they preferred the Sr. or Assoc. Pastor, as though the YP is not as important! I believe that when you are a YP, you have to set the tone of your interaction and leadership with the laity. This will ensure they are aware that your ministry is equal to any pastor regardless of what specific "place" in ministry you serve. A General Practice Medical Doctor is just as important as an Eye Doctor. They simply serve in different roles of the same profession.

GlobalPermalink Reply by Mike Stevenson on February 24, 2009 at 7:03pm

The elephant in the room is the deployment of funds......on young people......in a way that cannot be gainsaid at the moment......Education.
Don't stone me yet.....but the perception is out there that we are taking care of our young people with lots of dollars.....so long as they attend our schools that is true. However, most do not attend our school and still need care. Maybe looking at a nother paradigm that is working for numbers of other denominations---ie. the deployment of youth and young adult pastors--- might be something to think about
FYI I support Adventist Education....I just want us to care for those who aren't taking part right now.

GlobalPermalink Reply by raymond ombasa onyinkwa on July 3, 2009 at 5:47am

I feel honored to deal with young people and preparing them for the great day of tha lord.its a call tto serve young people who are perishing looking for comfort the wrong way.

GlobalPermalink Reply by raymond ombasa onyinkwa on July 3, 2009 at 5:50am

God sees young people for their salvation value and not their social value that is why i enjoy being a youth pastor.

NADPermalink Reply by Corwyn Patterson on July 5, 2009 at 7:19am

I think being a youth pastor is vital to the growth of our youth divisions (AY, Pathfinders, etc). The young people have someone to look up to and also someone that speaks on their behalf. I was a youth leader (declined being YP) at my church for about 3 years. Alot had to be changed their such as youth involvement. Alot of churches dont involve their youth and thats something I really spoke out to the other pastors about. Growing up thats what molded me and kept me on the path.

Needless to say the church grew tremendously with youth. It went from simple things like scripture reading at divine hour to deacons in training and deacons and laymen. Sad to say when I left the younger group totally fell out from church because the other guys didnt foster them the way the I was fostered and fostered them. As a YP you play an important roll. Think of how you got their and the people that fostered you. Allow that chain to go on. You make a difference in lives. At least my YP's did when I was growing up. :)