At one time or another we all have moments that are gut checks! Gut checks are a test of one’s nerve, courage, or determination. In Catholic youth ministry it is good to do a quick “Gut Check” of how we are approaching our role as youth minister.

Take a minute and ask yourself the following “Gut Check” questions:

• Where does my sense of security come from—from God or from how youth ministry is doing?
• After a Life Night, Edge Night or youth event, do I find myself grateful that God is God and feeling joyful that I get to live in His care? Or, if I’m honest, are my emotions dictated more by how many teens were in the room?
• Do I spend more time thinking about God, or thinking about how to make my youth ministry do better?
• How do I feel when the prospect for more prizes— recognition, praise, reputation, applause—gets taken away from me?
• Does my sense of identity flow more out of my relationship with God or out of my performance at the parish?
• How much do I sacrifice to know God better versus how much do I sacrifice for my youth ministry to work better?

So how did you do? At times I find myself strong and focused and then at other times relying too much on externals to define success in ministry. It all comes down to our intentions being as pure as possible. If you are struggling with any of the above, say a prayer that God would give you strength to simply trust in Him. Pray and ask that we can avoid any of our ministry being done for the wrong intent.

Take courage, my children, call on God: He who brought this on you will remember you. As by your will you first strayed from God, so now turn back and search for Him ten times harder; for as He has been bringing down those disasters on you, so will He rescue you and give you eternal joy. – Baruch 4:27-29