I posted earlier this week some questions to help you journal, celebrate and reflect on the story of your youth ministry timeline. Even writing those thought-provoking questions challenged me to journal where I’ve come in youth ministry – what were the highs and lows that shaped me over the years.
I wanted to share a few of my notes as I went through this process, not in perfect order and I’ve certainly missed some significant ones intentionally or unintentionally because I have many more memories than I could possibly write down. Here’s a glimpse of my youth ministry story … hope you’ll do some processing this week and journal yours as well:
- helped lead our youth group at my home church
- served in a local church in college
- had my first experience volunteering as a youth worker
- volunteering as the youth worker at a church plant as a college student, paid $50/week
- my father explains he never wanted me to be confused by his voice if/when God called me into ministry, he wanted me to know it was God’s voice so I would never question my calling
- life-changing conversation about life mission/calling with significant mentors
- got married and started full-time in youth ministry (same year!)
- was asked, “Where is the youth leader?” at an event and decided to grow a goatee to look older
- so many epic fails, in particular the TP-incident. Still amazed I wasn’t fired, served with some gracious leaders
- quit youth ministry for the first time, never left the church / position
- read 1st book on youth ministry, Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
- attended 1st youth ministry conference
- saw God heal some incredibly-broken relationships
- I did the funeral for a baby with severe complications who died in my arms
- created the Steak-Out, a monthly BBQ volunteer meeting
- did ministry with some amazing friends/volunteers
- asking God for what was next, year of discomfort, questions
- trying to leave well, transition, patience
- found out we were pregnant with #3 on the move to CA
- realized my story was so many youth pastor’s story and I could help/relate
- came on staff at Saddleback Church to help with Purpose Driven YM
- volunteered in the high school ministry at Saddleback Church
- helped run church conferences, student leadership events
- traveled with Pastor Rick to the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina
- helped with the Extend the Vision Campaign for our church
- started blogging every day about youth ministry
- became the high school pastor at Saddleback Church
- started our “State of HSM” meeting every December
- the opening of the Refinery Student Building
- partnered with incredible teammates and friends
- first hire, amazing team-member still with me!
- wrote my 1st book!
- departure of Doug Fields from Saddleback
- changed Small Groups to Life Groups to focus on “doing life together”
- 1st summer camp on our own
- big changes to summer calendar that have now become traditions
- went to Africa 5 times in 3 years
- did the funerals for both victims of a rare double homicide in Lake Forest
- important changes, leadership challenges
- started Download Youth Ministry with 2 of my very best friends
- serving at a church I love, with people I love
JG
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