In the fall, when school is starting again and the leaves are beginning to turn (and all the tourists go home and leave us our beaches), I am excited about starting the youth ministry year. There is something about the start of the New Year that brings hope and energy. By the time I get to January, my excitement has tapered off and I tend to only see the long months ahead. This is more than just the time of year; it always corresponds with the annual drop in numbers during these winter months. I find myself reevaluating what I am doing within the youth ministry, why am I doing youth ministry, and if the ministry is having any impact.