My position returned to full-time on January 1, 2010. Thirteen months ago, I told a few trusted friends that I wondered if the Lord wanted me to experience part-time youth ministry in order to better minister to and alongside of so many that have that same situation.
I do not claim to now know the Lord's intent in it all, but I am confident He has been and is continuing to mold me. My status has changed, but so many in this economy continue to be stretched to the point of breaking. A recent article by Group ("2010 YM Salary Survey" in Jan/Feb 2010 Issue) suggests little is changing to bring financial support for those that invest their lives to minister to the next generation.
Out of FULL-TIME, paid youth pastors...
- Only 42 percent received funds for ministry resources
- Only 52 percent received an allowance for mileage/travel
Over half of youth leaders in this survey are underwriting ministry opportunities with their time and with their treasures. If that's true for the full-time people, how much are the part-time and volunteers giving?
A conversation today with a friend reminded me of the tension that still exists for the person called by the Lord to give his or her life to shepherding students. How will I pay for my needs? How will I pay for my families' needs?
The Lord provides...and there is no "but" after that statement.
Instead of a "but" comes a "better". The better place for the Kingdom servant is in the stance of paying for it with one's life. When King David was offered a prepaid burnt offering, he said, "No way!"
II Samuel 24
A no-cost sacrifice is no sacrifice at all.
Maybe the amount to write on the bottom line of youth ministry is not a financial figure, but the John Hancock of your personal signature.
How is your bottom line?
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