You know, you have met them, people who go above and beyond and make things happen. My family and I visited Bryce Canyon National Park yesterday and we met a park ranger who really was impressive and stuck out – Jan Stock! She was amazing, her enthusiasm, dedication and communication skills were astounding. Here is 5 things that Jan Stock does very well! See how well you are doing in these 5 areas in regard to youth ministry:

1.) Connecting with People - Before she started her presentation on the park and it’s amazing geology, she wanted to know about us, where we were from and where we were headed. She joined our journey, it wasn’t us joining her. How well do you do joining young people on their journey?

2.) Enthusiasm for the Topic - Jan Stock glows when she talks about the rocks at Bryce. She uses joyful facial expressions and is very animated. She makes you like what she is talking about because she is so enthusiastic about it! When you talk to teens, does your enthusiasm spill over and get them excited as well?

3.) Creativity to Bring Home a Difficult Concept - Here she was standing in front of one of the most beautiful overlooks of the park and she started using props to show how the rock formations were made. It made the park come alive. Christ used parables so people could get the concepts. Be creative and use props or analogies for teens to understand the truths of the faith. How creative are you being presenting the truth of our faith to teens?

4.) Multiple Interactions with People - Jan Stock doesn’t just talk at people – she talks with them. If you are there you are part of the presentation. She asks questions and helps you answer them. All along you feel at the end of the presentation that you are an expert about the park and in reality you are more confident sharing it with others. How do the teens at your parish feel after a Life Night? Are they confident sharing what they learned that night?

5.) Complete Dedication - Jan Stock wears the lady park ranger role perfectly. She has been at the park for 25 years and she still is excited. She has poise and a high level of integrity. She is not pushing a political agenda, she is being a professional park ranger and advocating for the park and for people’s enjoyment of it. How dedicated are you at your parish for teens? How professional do you approach your role as a youth leader?

So how do you compare against the Jan Stocks in this world? How well are you living the 5 principles above?