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