This time last year we never dreamed that we would ever ask that question. However, after 7 months of living through a world-wide pandemic, maybe we have learned something.

When our world seemed to “shut down” in March earlier this year, we tried to hold on to our hopes of having camp for quite some time. But, as the spread of COVID continued, we officially made the decision to cancel our summer camps in the first few days of June.

Though the decision to cancel camp was very difficult, here are some thoughts on what we have learned.

For the first time in my ministry career I didn’t go to youth camp. It was strange—less stress—but strange.

The decision to cancel camp was extremely difficult. For many youth ministries, if not most, camp is the heart of their summer. To think about a summer without youth camp is like having Easter without church. How can that be?

Obviously, we have faced many challenges over the last few months and whether to attend youth camp was one of them. As we struggled with our decision on whether to host camps, I remembered our mantra, “Life happens after camp”.

When I first started the process of developing my personal mission statement, I was a bit cynical. So maybe we have something in common.

My cynicism peaked when I thought, if having a mission statement is so important, then Jesus must have had one. From there I set out to determine what it was. Here are a few things I learned.

Our world has become familiar with the hashtag #Strong. A social media world has given us a good way to respond by standing together in challenging times for a certain cause. If we could take some liberty and expand the use of the Strong hashtag, I think it could be used in the life of a Student Minister. The calling to work with students is not for the weak of heart. Most know and acknowledge this truth, but no one is exempt from feeling overwhelmed.

Youth Ministers are among the most creative people on the planet. Every week there is something new. The grind of creativity is barely noticeable because it is so routine. It’s muscle memory. Following a rhythm for life and ministry make the challenge of creativity easier.

We depend on routines, resources and relationships to bring out the best in programming every week. During recent months we have had to redirect this process hoping for the same results. It is difficult. Challenging but we are figuring it out.

As you work through the grind consider these steps for the long haul. Here’s to better planning and better health!

Have you ever gone to a conference and upon returning home realized that your best takeaway from the conference occurred away from the conference? The longer I attended conferences, the more I seemed to realize this might be the reality.

Whether it was at lunch, coffee, or in the hallways, the real genius was right next to me. My friends, their friends, peers, and mentors who all love students and feel called to lead them. As we shared a common purpose, we would listen and support one another in the hopes of becoming better at what we do.

Youth Ministry is challenging. In fact, we say that it is the most difficult position on a church staff. That is why some years ago we framed our ministry to Student Ministers with these words …

Horizon Youth Ministry exists to listen, encourage, and advocate for Youth Ministers everywhere.

Youth Minsters are our heroes plain and simple.

One thing that distinguishes Youth Ministry from other ministries on a church staff is the one question a Youth Minister will ask that no one else on church staff will have to ask.

That question?

“What’s next?”

When you are with students during your teaching time you never know what you are going to get. And yet, every time you teach you have the opportunity to bring students closer to God through scripture, story, and relationship.

And here lies the tension. How can you consistently teach students for life change?