“I think you may find the point is simple: to encourage you. As a student pastor and leader myself, isn’t that what we all really need? Yes, the glam and name recognition is nice, plus being the youngest person on staff, meaning you are the “cool” staff member. But in the end, with all the fame and fortune (I use the term fortune lightly…and comically) that comes in student ministry, burn out and low points are inevitable. These stories won’t feel all that unique, because many will be familiar to you and your own experiences in some form or fashion. In fact, though we like to think we’ve got the coolest, newest thing in student ministry, well…never mind, I want you to read the rest of the book. Let me say this, from start to finish, I want to “bookend” on..”
Excerpt From: Chris Ward. “Gummy Bears In the Toilet - Who's Your Jamie Lolley?.” iBooks.
Chris Ward and his family reside in Little River, SC outside Myrtle Beach. He served as the Family Life Pastor at Seacoast Vineyard Church and has worked with Student, Kids, and College ministry for over 12 years in the local church. He has a Bachelor degree in Marketing & Management and owns and operates a Real Estate company in Little River. He also obtained his Master's Degree in Discipleship Ministries from Liberty Theological Seminary.
Be consistent as a student pastor or leader is more important than the student being consistent. - they are the teenager after all, and you're the adult. Let's build a better relationship where they know they can count on us.
Book Excerpt
Gummy Bears In the Toilet - Who's Your Jamie Lolley?
If we think of this less as having that “moment” and more like a series of events built on an ever increasing relationship(one that starts all the way in sixth grade, or whenever they first show up), then the inconsistencies in attendance later in their student ministry career can be less important. We will focus more on our consistency as student leaders and pastors, rather than what they are doing in their inconsistencies. I think we have an opportunity to allow them to live out what we are trying to teach no matter where they are.
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