When do you give it up?

[Ragin Asian]

I’ve been thinking that lately. When do you give it up. I mean, no matter what the “it” is, how do you decide?

Recently, I’ve really been contemplating when it is that I will not continue in youth ministry in the position I am in. As youth pastors, do we have a shelf life? Is there a good time to step away from the lead position?

I’ve always had in my mind that I would be doing this for ten years. I’m coming up to eight years this year.

Do I still feel called? Yes. Do I still care for students? Yes. Is my heart still in it? Yes.

I guess the debate becomes, do I leave while all of those answers are “yes.” I believe that I should. I do not want to leave a ministry that is unhealthy for someone else to fix. I want to be able to pass on the torch brightly lit.

I don’t think that many of us plan with the end in mind. It’s something that I’m beginning to do. What decisions am I making now, that will affect the next youth pastor? We all need to be asking those questions. I don’t believe that we do that enough.

It’s scary to think of any position, any job without yourself. But to ensure long term health, we need to get over our fears.

[Ragin Asian]

I just always wonder if I should be planning with the end in mind. Do I start to do things in the ministry that will allow for a better transition for a new youth pastor? That's what I struggle with. I still feel called into this ministry, but I've always known that my time in this position would be limited, in our prayers and in our conversations with each other (my wife and I) before we took this position, we felt that that was what God was calling us to.

I appreciate your prayers. They're much needed. I just need some more clarity.

[bradmc]

Fasting has always worked for me to help me define who's will is what. Simply because I hate fasting so much. Doing it sort of polarizes the voices. Not sure its supposed to work that way but well there you have it. I am praying for you Jason and Greg.

[Greg]

That's awesome advice Brad! That was a good post, I'm going through similar. I would just add, that you need to figure out if it's your will or His.I will add you and this to my prayers Jason.

[bradmc]

I think its important to take time away and fast and really seek the Lord when you feel like this. Many times I have felt this very way in His ministry here. The Lord will lead if you are still and rest in him. If you start to feel like its your ministry then its time to step back. The simple matter is that you never give up. If the Lord leads you on then ok... thats my limited perspective but I have only been doing this a few years. My biggest challenges are ahead I think.