I’m sure at one time in your life you thought you were awesome. That there is no way that you could be in better at what you do. Well me being only a year removed from Bible College, and in my first full time ministry, I had that attitude at times. I thought to myself, “I am an awesome youth minister, I know everything.” The sad thing is I actually thought that at times. I didn’t want people to tell me that I don’t know what I’m doing, or I need to do things differently. Well I have tried not to be like that because, that thinking is stupid. I recently had my 1 year review with my senior minister and the elders of my church, and it was one of the most productive and humbling experience I have had in ministry. See I want to be the best youth minister I can be, and I can’t do that by myself. In my review they went over the things that I do well, but they also went over the things that they feel I can improve on. It was awesome to see these men care about me, and want me to be the best youth minister I can be. It was good to hear what I need to work on to become a better minster. I like people pushing me to become a better minister. We need that as minister, and as people. It’s good for people to open our eyes to things we can be better at, and to show us ways we can improve. We can push ourselves all we want, but it helps when someone gives you a boost. You might have the attitude I had and think that you have it all together, that you know everything. Well you don’t. Swallow your pride and realize that you can be better. That you don’t know everything and that other people can teach you something valuable.
I especially liked my review. It was an eye opening, and humbling experience for me. It felt good to see the leaders of my church care about the church and me.
*Imagine a snarky comment about you being dumb.*
ReplyDeleteBut seriously congrats, you survived your first year in ministry. That's quite an accomplishment.
Aaron~
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post. Remember when I used to pretend like I had it all together when I was really a complete mess. That is a reference to high school (In case you don't remember);). You always used to try and push me and break me. It took me a long time to realize it, and sometimes when you would push me, I would become very angry and felt like you were just being negative toward me. In retrospect I see now that you were pushing me to be a better person and friend. You were being a great friend, and I took your friendship for granted. Having people in your life to push you is what helps make you a better friend, uncle, brother, etc. At times the people pushing you seem like they aren't helping, but when reality sinks in you realize the positive impact their actions have on your life. It sometimes takes a long time for people to swallow their pride and realize they have a lot of room for improvement in their lives. As a matter of fact, I have been realizing that about myself over the last few years and want to say that I owe you a huge apology for my actions in the past. Sometimes you push the people who care most about you away because you choose to ignore the effort they put into pushing you to be a better person (Lord knows that was me). Just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your post, and I am glad you are working toward your dream of being the best youth minister you can be!