Today marks my first anniversary as the associate pastor with student emphasis at the church where I serve. I came here with a few years of student ministry under my belt but also with the understanding that this situation was going to be unlike previous experiences. For one, my responsibilities now include college ministry, an area in which I have had no previous experience. (College ministry has turned out to be one of the most rewarding areas of my ministry, however.) I also came in with the understanding that I’d be working with a small yet challenging group of teenagers. While there are some unique personalities that have participated in our youth program, I feel like they’re all good kids that want to grow in their faith and contribute back to the ministry of the church.
I’ve intentionally taken my time in reshaping some of the programs and activities in our youth and college ministries. I try never to assume that what has worked for me (or them) in the past will work here and now; however, change takes time, and I really try to pray through any changes that I might make while gathering the input of others involved in these ministry areas. That being said, I feel like we’ve made some positive steps in rethinking our goals and purposes and how those affect the things we do. I know that there are still changes to be made, and I would hope that we never reach a place of comfortability where we begin to rely on a set pattern or method of ministry. My goal is to be faithful in all things while being adaptable to the nature of the students I work with.
