However in some cases, Youth Leaders will miss golden opportunities to minister to the family members of a teenager. During this Christmas season, I encourage you be aware of these fleeting moments….because you are more likely to encounter them as otherwise rarely seen parents might actually show up for a church sponsored event.

Sometimes the parents of teens are looking for spiritual guidance or help. They probably won’t come right out and say as much…but they might actually be looking to you as the only pastoral person that they actually know. This can be kind of weird and even initially seen as a distraction, because you’re looking more to focus on the needs of teenagers. Yet…you can find yourself presented with this golden opportunity to shepherd a 43 year old dad that’s really needing help…even if it is rather intimidating.

Remember: Ministry is about Christ and building His kingdom for His glory. This ministry stuff really isn’t about you. Often times, ministry will involve leaving your comfort zone. The real comfort in these odd situations can be found in realizing that the work you are doing is about God, and allowing His spirit to lead you.

But what about you? Ministers aren’t in it for the money…but often will struggle mightily with an issue of “time management.”
You are usually busy…too busy…and your schedule can get out of control. You end up doing lots of good things…but not necessarily enough of the best things.
Consider this verse:
Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Did you catch that? Our very “being” is dependent on God. How are you doing with acknowledging that with how you spend your time?
Does your normal schedule reflect the following in a proper order?
1. Personal Time with God (a regular time with no sermon planning allowed…just you spending time with our creator…reading, worshipping, and listening to how He can minister to your soul)
2. Personal Time with Family (If you haven’t taken your spouse on a date lately….and/or if you are missing dinner with your family more than 3 nights a week…things are probably out of whack with your schedule)
3. Personal Development as a Leader (Reading challenging leader oriented books….involving yourself with a Network of peers that work with teens from other churches…..preparing your heart and mind to make disciples and hep other do the same! Because bettering yourself for God’s glory ultimately benefits those around you).
4. Making Disciples…and then everything else.

Too many Pastors allow the “everything else” from above to direct their life. Are you living 1,2,3,4 from above? Or do you have some of those elements right…but in the the wrong order? Are you stopping long enough to personally glorify and rest in our creator in your daily life?

I believe I could make a case that the list above is properly ordered in a way that helps church leaders most glorify God with their time.
I hope you will look it over, and possibly use it as a driver of how you spend your time and energy this week…and throughout the holiday season which is fast approaching.
Before the holiday staff parties, concerts, and all-out craziness kicks in over the next several weeks, I hope you will get busy about making your limited and precious time submit to a plan that will honor Him.