I’m an affirmation junky.  I need it to function or else I start to question my value and worth.  It’s a problem I’m sure many people face, but it can be pretty isolating.  To address that desire I make sure that MY PRAYER LIFE is a priority and that I find ways to AFFIRM OTHERS.  

Again, I’m sure I’m not the only person that needs affirmation.  Youth ministry is a grind and it can leave you feeling beaten.  Well, if you are tired, worn out and need a little affirmation boost here are three reasons I think you are an awesome leader:

REASON NUMBER 1: YOU ARE COOL WITH TEENAGE DRAMA

Not everyone is willing to put up with the life of a teenager.  Their drama consumes and runs their lives.  It’s their everything and anything and you are there to listen, guide and love on them.  

You are awesome because God has blessed you with a love for the next generation.  He has shown you that they are leaders today, tomorrow and for years to come.  To those that don’t understand the next generation you are a TEENAGER WHISPERER and it blows their mind.

Keep being great by continuously praying for your teens and remembering that they see you as a source of wisdom.  You are someone they admire and see God’s presence.

REASON NUMBER 2: PARENTS LOVE YOU EVEN IF THEY DON’T SHOW IT

Parents love you.  Trust me they do.  Even when they are telling you that you are ruining their teenager’s life.  They lash out at you because they are scared of losing their teen.  They are worried about figuring this whole parenting thing all on their own.

You are awesome because God has blessed them with your patience.  God has given them someone with morals, standards and faith that they can send their teenagers to when they don’t know what to do.

Do they take advantage of your service?  Sure.  Do they assume you can do it all? Yeah, but that’s because you are some super hero.  And while every super hero has flaws, that’s okay.  We still root for them because we love when they bounce back.  

REASON NUMBER 3: YOU REMIND ME I’M NOT ALONE

There are times when I want to quit and walk away.  There are times when I’m wondering, “What am I doing?”  There are days where I wonder, “Is this even worth it?”  And then God reminds me that I’m not alone.

I see your tweets, your posts and I love your emails.  When I see you at a conference or notice that you are on the same webinar as me I am reminded that others get it.  You are awesome because you are the solidarity, encouragement, and affirmation I need to keep doing this.

As youth workers we can’t forget to be there for one another.  My challenge to you today is to find another youth minister to affirm because let’s face it they are awesome.