Why are youth pastors so competitive?
Posted on April 3rd, 2006 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryJack just emailed me this story about a youth pastor who attacked a teen during an intense game of dodge ball. From what interaction I have had with youth pastors, I find they are often highly competitive.
Or perhaps this was just the youth pastor's way of preparing his youth group for the Dodgeball Championship in Vegas.
If you can dodge a wrench (or a kick to the goin) you can dodge a ball.
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April 3rd, 2006 at 8:54 am
Here’s my professional opinion (as a YP that is): To be in ministry you HAVE to be competitive–ou’re competing against hell (I know that sounds cliche so flame away). However, since youth pastors are typically young, cuz if we were older we’d be “real” pastors (if I had a dollar for every time I was asked when I was going to be a REAL pastor…), we lack the tact and maturity to not get caught up in the moment that is usually demonstrated by more seasoned ministers.
Case and Point: My first year as a YP I yelled at a 65 year old man in the sanctuary because he said “Greek don’t give you anymore information than the english translation” and was being super antagonistic. My passion was right on, but my tact sucked! I’ve learned since then.
Anyways, just my thoughts.
April 3rd, 2006 at 9:07 am
Your comment demonstrates a potentially serious lack of understanding regarding your role in “conversion”… versus the role of the holy spirit.
It is not YOUR job to “compete” against hell. That’s the holy spirit’s job.
Your job is merely to act on what the holy spirit is intuiting to your own spirit.
:)
I don’t believe you must be “competitive” to be in ministry. You must simply be willing to allow your own actions to be surrendered to the holy spirit’s desire. That’s it. That’s the ONLY qualification needed. Anything more then that (like a competitive nature that is spurred to action by something NOT directly led by the spirit) is our own flesh, and will be constantly at war with our spirit and the holy spirit.
April 3rd, 2006 at 10:39 am
Wow, that’s the most holy answer I’ve ever heard.
April 3rd, 2006 at 11:32 am
Never thought about wearing a cup for dodgeball …
April 3rd, 2006 at 12:01 pm
most youth pastors arent getting laid and they have to look at all these young girls and the boys who kiss them and it pisses them off… youth pastors are usually youthful, which means along the way they might act out once in a while…
April 3rd, 2006 at 6:34 pm
IF YOU CAN DODGE A CAR, YOU CAN DODGE A BALL!
April 4th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Youth pastor, Music pastor, Counseling pastor, Executive pastor, Head pastor…..is it just me, or is ‘pastor’ an overworked title? For a term that is only used once in the whole bible, it sure seems a lot of ‘leaders’ lean on it! Is it because there are no requirements/job descriptions listed?
It kind of lets one write their own ticket without any messy scriptural accountability.
April 4th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Because they are usually listed after the music minister and facilities manager in church leadership directories.
April 4th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Pastor is to religion, what Analyst is to business.
April 5th, 2006 at 11:52 am
A friend of mine (let’s call him Joe) was in high school and attended a youth camp where Benny Perez was the speaker. Joe played basketball in high school, captain of the team and all that, and is 6 feet 6 inches tall. Benny Perez is not that tall.
For some reason Benny Perez thought Joe had an attitude (when he had never talked to him) and decided to teach him a lesson or something. When they played a game of basketball Benny decided to guard Joe and was really physical and aggressive toward him verbally.
Joe was so confused. He could’ve sqashed Benny being much taller and stronger than him but didn’t. Imagine how stupid this is, you are a kid at camp and the main speaker seems to single you out for no reason at all. I think Benny assumed he was arrogant when he didn’t even know him.
weird and stupid.
April 5th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
Can you say “Napoleonic complex?”