Welcome to the Jungle

Four years, eight months, and twenty days into my time as a youth minister I've come to the conclusion that youth ministry is much like exploring a jungle. Thus, this blog is my contribution as the field guide of my observations.

The natives are colorful, tribal, and occasionally hostile.

The terrain covers the full spectrum of topographical variations and vegetative states.

So welcome to the jungle, hope you wore comfortable shoes and brought your well-stocked pack.

Despite what many say, there is no definitive field guide to the correct way to navigate the complicated 'job' that is a youth minister. Accordingly, you learn from your successes and failures, listen to those wiser than you, observe the natives, and slowly learn your way through the jungle.

There are those who claim that the mere act of observation changes the dynamics of a situation. As someone who is most assuredly not merely observing, I know that my perspective, personality, flaws, and gifts inherently color my ministry and my observations.

To be fair to any of you who have not brushed me off yet, I will introduce some of the more important biases. First, I am college educated, but not in the field of ministry. I graduated from a Big Ten University with a degree from the College of Letters & Science. Second, I am a Catholic youth minister. That's my belief, my theology, and will be a key component to some of the observations I make. Third, I am female. Yup, a female, Catholic, liberal arts educated youth minister. Take it for what it is worth. Fourth, I am only twenty-seven. While the kids think I'm ancient, some of my co-workers call me the baby. Age is all perspective.

I can't promise wisdom. I can't promise inspiration. I can't promise that you will agree or like what I write. however, whatever I put on this page will be honest and founded on the principle that all ministry and all human interaction should be founded in love. I know there will be times when my frustration, natural inclination towards sarcasm, and the inevitable exhaustion may put you into doubt regarding that, but always remember that I am merely human. As are all those who answer the call to minister.

Like many posts likely will be, this written late and I must be up and perky for a staff meeting. So until the next guide, I wish you good night.