I live in a swing state for this 2012 presidential election, where commercial breaks actually consist of back-to-back-to-back commercials about the upcoming election. It’s pretty common to hear, “I can’t wait until November 6 is over.” I will be glad when the politicking dies down in the US, but this is one topic that never seems to rest in youth ministry.
One of the most common complaints I have heard from Youth Ministers over the years goes something like this, “I really love ministry, but I’m struggling with the rest of the parish staff.” If you’ve been in Youth Ministry long enough, there’s a good chance you’ve had some difficulty with other parish staff members. While some may be supportive, others may not get why you are “never in your office,” or maybe they don’t see the transformational power of shaving cream, duck tape, and red vines. Regardless of the conflict, relationships among parish staff members can be improved.
Let me set the scene: It’s the parish staff meeting. Its always bright and early… 9am, even if you had Bible study until 9pm last night. Everyone grabs coffee and the conversation begins with the process of going around the table talking about “calendar items”. Then, the topics go to things like who didn’t put the chairs away last night or to the roof leaking again. If it’s a good week, there aren’t any references to your youth being loud or leaving trash around. The meeting goes longer than expected, and at the end, you wonder if anyone on the staff has any idea at all what you do as a youth minister.