The Power of "Us"
When you are a youth worker there are some Sundays that are uplifting, others that are deflating, and others that are just exhausting.
If you are in a post-Sunday … or perhaps numerous Sundays of weariness, you are not alone. There will always be the kid who raises her hand enthusiastically at your question only to answer with, “can I go to the bathroom?” The teen tied to his phone as if it were literally glued to him; the middle schooler trying to out-logic a basic Biblical truth; and the one kindergartner who finds a half-used sugar packet in the trash and before you can stop him… yeah.
Sometimes, you have those Sundays. In those moments, I wonder if anything I’m doing is even sinking in or making a difference.
Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3
Now of course I know the “answer” is that my actions, my works really do not matter – it is the Lord that works inside each of those kids we serve. And as good youth workers we cling to that promise and we know it… still... we, adults, sometimes could use a little encouragement. A little pat on the shoulder. A little bit of that garbage-1/2-filled-sugar-packet.
Look, I love the humility and selfless love and generosity I see in so many youth workers I encounter. That is the love of Jesus they are emulating for our kids. At the same time, wanting, needing to be told we are a part of something valuable, that we are doing a good job, that we are in this together is not anti-Biblical or prideful. In fact, that is part of service.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I truly believe youth ministry is more about Him than me, but I also believe in the power of “us.” Yes, my works are not what matters, but there is power in lifting each other up in camaraderie and togetherness. There is power in “us.” It is for that reason this month’s newsletter is dedicated to highlighting two important outlets to receive or to give such comfort and edification.
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(2) Bridges to Orthodoxy Reviews
Have you ever used a BtO unit? If so, can you let us know how it is working out? We and others would really love to know, which is why we added “REVIEWS” on our site. You can scroll back to a unit you previously got off our website and find reviews (at the bottom of the page) and add your own. You can always take a look to see if any were added to help you figure out if BtO would be right for you.
For example, our Church hosted the “Wait or Date?” event a few weeks ago where middle schoolers, high schoolers, and parents were in their own separate day-long retreats all ending with take-home materials for parents to continue the conversation at home. The format, message, and Church-Family collaboration was something that did not exist when I was an awkward teenager navigating these hard topics… and it was amazing. But don’t take my word for it, see what others who attended the event had to say (scroll to the bottom of the page).
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(1) Annual Orthodox Youth and Camp Workers’ Conference (YCC)
Every year there is an Orthodox Youth Workers’ and Camp Workers’ conference (around the January and February timeframe) and I wish more people attended – the Coptic Church is noticeably absent. From past conferences, I learned about other curriculum in existence, such as those at Faith Tree Resources and Y2AM. I heard from specialists on hard topics we all are a little terrified of but nonetheless know we must address with our Orthodox teens with love and compassion. I learned about the many, MANY Orthodox summer camps that exist around the country that I had no idea existed!
Most of all, each year, I get a surge of encouraging power from the “us” factor – others serving in the same or similar capacity as me.
For a variety of reasons, I could not attend this year, which left me with some FOMO watching the pictures, topics, and short clips being posted on social media. If you work or volunteer in youth ministry in your Orthodox parish in any capacity, I highly recommend you check out their website, subscribe to their newsletter, and be on the lookout for their next conference. I hope to see you there next year.