Sunday, October 07, 2007

Lessons from an Interim Youth Director

1. Taking Sabbath time is probably the hardest part of the job.
2. You will quickly become attached.
3. You will know things... things that can only be spoken over PB&J.
4. Politics is just as operative in Jr. High as in international negotiations.
5. Youth need pastors just as much as grown ups do.
6. Everyone needs a buddy.
7. Email really can eat up a work day.
8. Recruiting help is dependent on calendars that you do not have access to.
9. There will be "history" that you will not be aware of.
10. Birthdays are big deals.
11. Today's youth are busy, busy, busy... but also starving for real relationships.
12. Pictures are important.
13. Maybe 20% of youth actually read their emails.
14. Everything is a matter of hurry up and wait.
15. Planning requires presence.
16. It is wonderful to see youth participate in all aspects of worship.
17. Budgets are only as good as your latest printout.
18. Never sit down.
19. Karaoke machines have too many instructions.
20. Guest speakers need a firm time limit... an exact stopping time.
21. Eating is often the main activity, no matter the program.
22. If there is not enough activity, clumping will occur.
23. The Holy Spirit really is involved... thank God!
24. Someone will always need to show up late or leave early.
25. It is always easy to get a volunteer when you ask face to face.
26. Making a list helps.
27. The mailing list is your friend.
28. You will never figure out where all the supplies are hidden.
29. The parents will have your cell phone number programed into their phones.
30. Your phone will therefore be viewed as community property.
--maybe more tomorrow

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