I will have been a youth pastor at SSCC for 2 years in May. It has been amazing to be given an opportunity to work full time in ministry at a church and pour into students lives. It’s exactly where I want to be right now, and where God has me. It is also a constant learning experience to be a leader and lead others, also very challenging at times, especially volunteers older than myself.
I have been given an awesome mentor in Youth Ministry, Jon Blankenship, who is the Senior Youth Pastor at SSCC and my best friend. He totally believes in discipleship and even more responsible if someone comes to him wanting to be mentored in youth ministry. He loves Jesus and teaching students. He has given much of what he knows and poured out into my life. I owe Him for teaching me of what it means to be a youth pastor and a leader. I feel very blessed to have had someone show me the ropes and take me deeper. He constantly strives for more and doesn’t settle. I have seen him grow as he continually leads me and spurs me on. I would not be where I am without him.
Something Jon has taught me and I have learned is I need to be a leader more than a students friend. If you don’t learn this, you will not have their respect. You must learn confrontation, even though it isn’t much fun. This past weekend on the Alive Retreat, I found myself more the bad guy than ever before. It seemed as if I was “Mr. Confrontation”. Every time I was turning around, I found myself stating boundaries. “You can go here”,”You can’t go there”, “Did you tell your leader where you were going?”, “Get your hands off of her”(woo,woo). I had to resolve conflicts as people pushed each others buttons and find out lies they told to me or others, and love them through it all at the same time. It is amazing to me how tiring it can all get. I was worn out.
I know my kids love me and respect me more for being their leader, than their best friend. I would have cringed at this thought a few years ago. I could be such a PP(people pleaser) and want everyone to like me. God has done wonders in teaching me as I continue to be a leader of leaders and kids.
Can anybody else identify with me? Would love to here some feedback!!!
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Yes… you def were mr confrontation this past weekend. I am really proud of you Justin. You have grown up so much since I have known you! I am glad you are in my life and Jon’s life too!
Oh, btw…he is not senior pastor…he is senior YOUTH pastor!
I fixed it, thanks for the notice…Maybe it’s prophecy?!?!?…lol
Justin,
I can totally relate to this post. Same thing as the Worship Leader – especially coming in behind someone who they’d been loyal to for years. I want them to like me, think I’m cool, and enjoy being around me – but at the same time, “I’m the boss”. One of our musicians in particular often says “whatever you say, you’re the boss”. When I hear that, I cringe inside and don’t want it put “that way”, but the flipside is that yes, I am – and at least you recognize that!
Of course, “the boss” can always defer to those he’s leading, be open to input, friendship, and being taught as much as teaching. Sounds like you have those bases covered!
FRED