Independence can be a Bad Thing… | youthwork talk

There’s a lot more I could say, but are you with me and my thinking? You see, it’s important to be a strong leader and someone of healthy convictions and independence. However, it’s important to realize that independence can become unhealthy and self-serving in our churches if we are not careful. Here’s some good and painful lessons I have learned personally:

• Youth Ministries should be a part of a team in the church, regardless of whether or not others have the same vision
• We can always learn from others and their points of view. Personally, I have found that God gives me different people to help me learn my most valuable lessons. What is God teaching you? Who is He using to teach you?
• We are employed as youth workers not senior pastors. We should know our place and submit to God ordained authority in our lives…
• Being a victim youth worker is a choice. If we are in difficult situations, we can either choose to stay and celebrate God’s calling of us there, or we can choose to move on. (I have done both).
• Constantly asking for forgiveness instead of permission can be disguise for not having the leadership ability to ask others difficult questions or communicate a compelling need. Are we simply side-stepping leadership growth by not asking others for permission?
• Whether or not we know better, it’s imperative to realize that people do not listen if we come across as the “know it all”
• Our ministries thrive when we share our resources, people, and spaces. Favors can often be returned at the most crucial times.
• Without a good support and connection of parents, our ministries will die

via youthworktalk.com