In the last post I gave three things every Youth Pastor hates to hear.  While there are many things a Youth Pastor does not like to hear, there are some things every Youth Pastor loves to hear.  Here are three:

Thank you

Youth Pastors do so many things behind the scenes.  So much time and effort go into preparing messages, planning events, training leaders, and caring for parents and students.  As a culture we seem to always be willing and ready to take, but rarely thoughtful enough to give or even say “thank you.”  The church at times can be no different.  Yes, God has called Pastors to care for their people.  Yes, ultimately we answer to Him.  Yes, it is a joy (a lot of the time) to serve Him.  But a simple “thank you” goes further than most could ever imagine.  Believe me every Youth Pastor loves to hear “thank you.”

I appreciate you

As mentioned in the post on things Youth Pastors hate to hear, well-meaning references to being a “real pastor” are pretty common.  Youth Pastors do work hard.  We genuinely have a deep burden for teens and families.  We desperately want to see God do a work in the lives of those they serve.  Much time is spent praying for students and parents, counseling students, ministering to students.  We attend all sorts of random events that students are a part of (like water polo matches, ballet, rap concerts at coffee houses…yes I’ve done all three) in order to love on and support those we serve.   Yes, God has called Pastors to care for their people.  Yes, ultimately we answer to Him.  Yes, it is a joy (a lot of the time) to serve Him.  But a simple “I appreciate you” goes further than most could ever imagine.  Believe me every Youth Pastor longs to hear “I appreciate you.”

"like this post?"

Receive an update straight to your inbox every time I publish a new article. Your email address will never be shared

How can I pray for you?

Last on the list, but by far the most desired is this question.  Pastors are not above the dangers that all people face.  The toll ministry can take on the individual and their family is more than most would imagine.  The students we serve deal with situations and struggles that we would never wish on anyone.  The wisdom needed to navigate so many of these things only comes from God.  Yes, God has called Pastors to care for their people.  Yes, ultimately we answer to Him.  Yes, it is a joy (a lot of the time) to serve Him.  But we need prayer more than we even realize.  Perhaps the greatest thing you could ever say to any Youth Pastor is, “How can I pray for you?”

What about you?  What else do you think every Youth Pastor loves to hear?  What is the most encouraging thing you have ever been told?  Leave a comment and share!

Photo credit: the half-blood prince / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)