3 steps to surviving in youth ministry

1. Be teachable.
2. Be flexible.
3. Have thick skin.

Ok now discuss among yourselves!

The first one has saved me on more than one occasion and the last one I've still have problems with, but they will keep you in for the long haul.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Randall Culpepper on December 8, 2008 at 11:07am: I agree with all 3 steps. I guess the BIGGEST issue I have is to have thick skin. I let things bother/get to me, too often. We have to be teachable. We don't know everything....even though a lot of our Youth think we are. Being flexible I have no problem with. If the Holy Spirit wants to move or go a different direction, let Him.

HELP with thick skin anyone??????????????; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Clay Conry on December 8, 2008 at 1:31pm: I aggree as well. I think I am ok at having thick skin sometimes but sometimes it is difficult to be compassionate and loving while maintaining thick skin! What I am saying is I want to have thick Skin and still care!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rod Mock on December 8, 2008 at 5:42pm: Yes all 3 are muy importante! One thing that I like to do is to have a little chat with some of my leaders to see what they though of the service or series. Listening to their critiques was very difficult at first but I found it incredibly helpful! They are also good for helping plan series and sermon ideas.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by EricWilbanks on December 9, 2008 at 7:03pm: You might find this a bit odd, but over the past 4-5 years, I've been fascinated by the following thought:

Two jobs that both require thick skin, both work to please the masses and both live in constant awareness that there's someone out there who is convinced he/she could do the job better: Pastors and Politicians!

Would be interesting to do a comparison between the keys to surviving in YM and the keys to surviving in politics. Could yield some interesting insights.; ▶ Reply to This