I’ve been involved in youth ministry in one form or another since I was in high school. One thing I love about being involved with youth group is the cast of characters that each ministry seems to have.
If I were to write a novel and wanted to include all of the types of youth workers I’ve worked with through the years, I would need to build the cast using these traits. (I’ve played one role or another at various times in my ministry career.)
- The sage – Life is a riddle, he has one for all of life’s problems.
- The sports guy – Give him a basketball and an hour and he’ll sweat some kids closer to Jesus.
- The buddy – Let’s just hang out and play Portal 2 this weekend, OK? Maybe we will talk about Jesus between rounds?
- The real man – All of the worlds problems will go away if men are men. Did you hear me son? What we need in this group is more men, real men!
- The Bible guy – I earned this Timothy award and I’m not afraid to use it.
- The hugger – Why talk when we can just hug? Everyone will feel more comfortable with more physical contact.
- The mom – A spoon full of sugar, honey, that’s what you need. And I’m kind of here to keep an eye on Jeffrey.
- The waiter – Hold onto your cup! If you put it down for even a second, it’s gone.
- The deer in the headlights – How did I get here? I’m in a room full of teenagers, oh my gosh. What’s going on?
- The camp guy – In 8th grade this guys life was transformed at snow camp and he is still looking to repeat that experience at 54.
- The whistle blower – Rules are important, I have a whistle, and I will blow it.
- The Christian ghetto guy – He has connections at every Christian owned business in town. Keep your bucks in the family, you dig?
- The clip board guy – If you aren’t careful this guy will sign up everyone for the military. How do we know Jesus fed 5,000? This guy counted.
- The evangelist – Every lesson better have a Gospel presentation, because if you were to die tonight…
- The bodyguard – If anyone tries to talk smack about this group, these kids, or our youth pastor, I promise you he will punch them right in the face.
- The band – Sure, the band might be one person, a guitar, and PowerPoint, but worship should be at the center of what we do, right?
- The historian – Do you remember when? No? This guy does.
- The elder – Sure, I’m here to volunteer. When I’m not making sure your teaching lines up with our doctrinal statement.
- The prayer warrior – A kid just broke his leg? Before we call 9-11, let’s gather in a circle and pray for Lydia… Mr. Myagi style.
- The youth-pastor-in-training – With aspirations of one day being in charge, this volunteer does it all and always feels like he is one step away.