Lessons From 17 Years in Ministry

It’s been an incredibly positive year of ministry at Youth For Christ.

We are reaching more lost teens than last year (over 1,300 teens),
Over 500 teens have confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior,
And 41% more teens have completed a follow-up program after their decision.

It is truly remarkable, and we praise God for it!

As we started wrapping up and assessing this school year of ministry, a staff member reminded
me that I also just completed my 17th year at Youth For Christ.

Now, 17 years is not typically a celebrated milestone. There’s no golden toaster, cake, or
hoopla. And maybe this is more about me turning 40 this year or the big burrito I had for lunch,
but God’s got me looking back and reflecting, and here are the 17 lessons I’ve learned. Just
kidding, 17 is crazy. I have the holy number 7.

Teens are Teens.
Up north, down south, in all cultures and generations, teens have a developmental
human need to know who they are loved by, and what their purpose is. Those questions
are only fully answered in a relationship with God.
Anyone, at any stage and age, can help a kid meet Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20
Relationships More Than Programs.
Relationships are how teens experience love as the mentor listens, shares, and cares. The impacts of those connections, and sometimes the connections themselves, last for years beyond!
The impact comes through intentionally showing up. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Faithfulness Is Job #1.
I want to finish the race, all the way to the end! Abiding with God, hearing His voice, and following His lead is the only foundation for success in ministry.
Stoke love for God, and it’ll stoke love for the mission. Matthew 22:37-40
This Is All God’s.
He’s really the one in charge; let’s keep it that way.
Pray, Pray, Pray. Colossians 1:15-23
Money is Ministry Lighter Fluid.
I see God transform the perishable into imperishable, eternal gain in the lives of teens. Given joyfully and stewarded well, money put into ministry results in thanksgiving to God.
Steward well. 2 Corinthians 9:11
Better Together.
I am convinced that God uses Christian organizations (activated groups of his body) to reach more youth than we otherwise could or would alone. It’s an incredible blessing that takes work, kinda like family!
Unity is worth the work. John 17:21
God’s also working on me.
Keep saying yes to following Jesus, and you’ll change. In ministry, God’s not only working through you, he’s actually working on you at the same time. That’s so God, right?!
Embrace the discipleship journey. Philippians 1:6

These are just a few of the things God’s taught me. What things has God taught you in your walk with him? I want to know what Ed Kaczmarek would share, or Randy Mewherter, Del Billingsly, Norm Wiens, Alan Doswald, Jennifer McCord, Ginny Payne, or Ann Byers. There are so many lessons learned that I just don’t want to forget them. I want to build on them.

James 1:25 says, “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” A holy challenge. A beautiful promise. If I build on these lessons, what might the next 17 years look like? Let’s find out.

Together,

Jameson