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Sharing questions or concerns but really COMPLAINTS

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5:27 PM, 2007-Aug-20 .. Posted by Lynne

Amy,
It certainly is interesting to hear the perspective of a YP. My husband was asked to attend a meeting yesterday after the church service. It was a committee of people meeting to discuss finding a replacement for YP, how to run the youth group until another YP is named, and some changes being considered when a new YP arrives.
One consideration is to have an advisory board consisting of 2 middle schoolers, 2 high schoolers, and 2 parents, new YP, and a few other church people. This board is planned to be a way for all to have a voice in what they would like the youth group to accomplish. Apparently a goal (unknown to us) of our church is for the youth group to attend an international mission trip once every 4 years. Some adults who attend the adult mission trips (both US and international) also expressed concern that youth do not know that they are welcome to attend the adult mission trips.
I have mixed feeling about this. I know communication is always a challenge and of great importance. However, I certainly would not like to be managed by a "board" in my job.
This committee is planning a "farewell" event for current YP whose last day is 8-31. My kids got an email from a highschool youth member who is putting together a casual get together at a bowling alley so the kids could have one last event with the graduating seniors. So, to some extent I think the kids will be planning things on their own for a while.
We also have a brand new associate minister, and our senior minister is away visiting far away family for the past several weeks while all of this YP change happened.

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5:39 PM, 2007-Aug-20 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Hi Lynne!
Well, I have to say that an advisory committee/board sounds intimidating. I guess it depends on how the board is set up and run. The church may have an easier time finding a new YP with this board or it may have a harder time because a YP would not want to be "micromanaged" in that way. I guess my thinking is that the YP answers to the church board just as the pastor answers to the church board and yet each one- Sr. Pastor and YP have room to "manage and run" their ministry. I can understand a need for this board while you are w/o a YP. Will the YP be in charge of this board or is the board set up to "rule" the YP? (That in and of itself is a big difference.)
Sounds like a lot is going on at your church right now but it also sounds like your youth are dealing with the changes very well. What a blessing.

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7:19 AM, 2007-Aug-21 .. Posted by gokings13

wow.
this sounds more like 'politics' and less like 'the House of God' than anything.........
AND giving children "power" on an "official board"?
I can't find that in Scripture?
What happened to the "church" in Acts??

Laura

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5:35 PM, 2007-Aug-21 .. Posted by Lynne

Amy,
I don't know if this board will just function until a new YP is found or what people are thinking its function should be. If it meets once a quarter to come up with ideas and then the YP makes the final decisions, then it would be workable. I do like the idea of the youth group forming goals so the kids are all on the same page.
I don't think it is giving the kids power as much as it is letting the kids have input into what they want to accomplish. At least that's what I am hoping the committee's fuction will be.

Lynne-

6:08 PM, 2007-Aug-21 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Lynne- I am praying that is what it is. I have had a youth council (youth elected to it as well as youth staff members) and while it didn't give the youth power over the YP (thats me) it gave them a say and a feel of "ownership" of the youth group. I believe these teens were more involved because of it and continue to be involved in the church because of it.
Sometimes creating new boards, committees and subcommittees is more harmful than helpful (and vice versa) I pray for you all that it will be helpful.
I am amazed at the stipulations some people want to put on a YP but would never think to ask that of their Sr. Pastor or even a "regular" associate pastor. There is somewhat of a stigma and also a stereotype put on Youth Pastors. I speak from my own personal experience there too. I am in no way some "crazy, hip chick" who dresses cool and takes the teens to all the cool stuff and lets them "do this" and "do that". I am the me I am at home with those teens so if anything- I act more like a mother than a cool friend.
I am trusting God that He will provide the right youth pastor for your youth ministry one who will work with the church as well as with the teens. One who will be a blessing to everyone and be blessed in return.

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8:48 PM, 2007-Aug-21 .. Posted by Lynne

Amy,
I think YP is probably the hardest job in any church! You have a wide age group of youth, some interferring, judgmental parents, and really difficult work hours. I pray that not only will we find a wonderful YP, but that the church and youth will appreciate and value our new YP.

Lynne-

8:42 AM, 2007-Aug-22 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Amen!

Amy W