Question:

Answer:

Thanks for the "out loud" thinking on an incredibly tough issue. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in youth ministry who have a tough time balancing their time. The answer to the question may be found in the balance of a few different areas.

THE PERSON: Sometimes it is the fault of the person. The individual has a tough time keeping their lives and ministry in balance. This person can have a hard time saying "no" to added responsibilities, or even make current responsibilities more difficult than need be.

THE CHURCH: Sometimes it is the fault of the church that adds extra pressure on the youth worker to take on more than is humanly possible. The church can view the youth ministers role as one of "playing all the time" and thinks they need to take on more responsibility so they "learn what it means to really minister."

CHURCH LEADERSHIP DYSFUNCTION: Sometimes it is the church leadership's attitude. Andy Stanley said at a recent Youth Specialties Convention, "Don't let the dysfunction of your senior pastor become your dysfunction. Stay in balance."

THE JOB DESCRIPTION: Sometimes the problem lies in the job description itself. It can either be too vague (thus opening itself up for loose interpretation), or it can be just not humanly possible in a week.

A good place to start would be in asking some of those questions. The reality is that it most likely will be a combination of them all.

Blessings to you as you search for an answer! When you do find it, shout it from the rooftops, because others need to hear about it!