When your favorite Latin teacher from high school asks you to write an article about a day in the life of a pastor, one jumps at the chance. But when he follows up with, “This article needs to be so many words,” one begins to ponder: If I only work one day a week, how can I come up with 300-400 words? Yes, pastors work on Sundays, but on the other days of the week, they do have other activities that keep them busy. My call has blessed me with teaching both public and private school confirmation classes. Youth, especially in this social media-oriented world, are more depressed and anxious about life. It is a blessing to provide them with a Christian-based atmosphere in and out of church.
Recently we combined youth groups with our church across town. Youth groups have changed over the decades. When I was a wee lad back in the 1980s, youth groups were big–movie nights, pizza nights, youth rallies, kickball tournaments, you name it. Today’s youth have school, sports, club sports, more sports, music practice, jobs, and did I mention sports? Time with the youth is at a premium and at a much faster pace than what it used to be. So with that in mind, our newly formed youth group was not just going to meet for the sake of meeting, but follow Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12a, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example.”
Disclaimer: We are not saying we are earning our way to heaven; that is only through Jesus. We are, however, encouraging youth to be salt, light, and examples of our Savior in our community.
As youth leaders we have set out on a path to encourage teens to volunteer in their community. We recently volunteered at our local Culver’s. Teens were asked to don the Culver’s hat and apron and then serve the customers who dined in or make the run out to the cars in the drive-thru. The turnout was amazing, but even more amazing was the pride the youth felt when they A) were asked to do something, and B) actually enjoyed the work. We have more outreach activities planned such as a tailgate at local high school football game, gift wrapping at Fleet Farm, and ushering at the local theater to name a few. Teens are not the future of the church—they are the church now. Give them a mission and purpose and watch them thrive. Ok, and maybe some free custard doesn’t hurt too.
Pastor Clark Schultz
Shepherd of the Hills, West Bend, Wisconsin
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a time to thank called workers for faithfully preaching and teaching God’s Word to us. Not sure how to thank your pastor this year? Let him choose a gift with an NPH e-gift card!