Liked this simple post and challenge from the Baptist Standard today for youth workers. Here’s a clip, head there for the rest:

When shortcomings appear, that’s when Christ followers face decisions, said Timothy Ateek, executive director of Vertical Ministries in Waco. Christian ministers can choose what sometimes “feels best”—striking out at someone in anger, looking at inappropriate images on a cell phone or some other destructive behavior—or do what God calls them to do.

“Will you choose love for God or rebellion against him?” Ateek said. “This is the decision we have to make every day.”

Satterfield echoed Ateek, challenging youth ministers to live out their faith daily. “Practice what you preach. Here’s the problem, Conclave: We have gotten so good at coaching, we have forgotten how to play the game,” he said.

Being able to follow God begins with a proper relationship with God, Satterfield stressed. Once that bond is strong, Ateek encouraged youth ministers to live in spiritual community, having at least one accountability partner. “If you don’t have the vertical, the horizontal will never be right,” Satterfield said.

JG