If you want to make it for over the long haul in student ministry, it is important to connect with others. God made us for community and partnership. That is especially true when it comes to ministry. We need the support and help others can provide.
Sometimes, we feel like we are the only one who cares about students in our churches. Don’t let that discourage you. There are lots of men and women around the state and beyond who love and care about teenagers. It is important to connect with them at every opportunity. There are things to learn from one another. There is encouragement to be found in shared experiences. And there is hope when the road feels really hard.
Connection is about more than just finding ministry colleagues. Connections come in the form of family, friends and even hobby buddies. Ultimately, connection is about finding relationships God can use to build and strengthen you in your pursuit of serving Him and His church.
It can be hard to find adult connections when you are used to hanging out with teenagers all the time. Here are a few ideas as you seek connection:
• Association Meetings — These are opportunities to meet and connect with others who serve within a similar theological framework. There is a shared history and leadership. You can find connections at local, state and national levels. Student Ministry Matters (the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas Youth Department) helps facilitate connections here in Arkansas and beyond.
• Local Networks — If you look around your community, you may find a local group of youth pastors or ministers that could help serve as that community for you. If there isn’t a local group, think about starting one.
• Online Youth Ministry Communities — These are helpful but never take the place of face-to-face connection. Student Ministry Matters Community is a private Facebook group that allows members to share and ask questions from others who are serving. Other organizations take it to the next level and do a wonderful job providing cohorts. If you find yourself with very few officially similar churches near you, consider searching one of them out.
• Your Church Staff — Work on developing a relationship with your lead pastor and other staff members. They share in the work and need your support as much as you need theirs.
• Find a group outside of ministry — Do you play pickleball or basketball? Do you work out at a local gym or do CrossFit? Don’t just hang out with people from church. Look for groups that allow you to connect with your community in a completely different way.
I’m a bit of an introvert, but I know I need people in my life besides the crazy teenagers who are a part of my life. Right now, I sing with a group of men, and I am one of the young ones. At 52, that makes it an older group, but there is a great sense of connection around our love of music, ministry and singing.
I pray you will find connection as you seek to serve the kingdom over the long haul. Contact us at Student Ministry Matters if you need help in this area.
