Dear New Youth Pastor,
You and I have gotten close in the time that you've been at our church. So, here are some things I've learned about you and about myself, thanks to you, in the 502 days that I've known you.
1. You love coffee.
You love coffee, and you basically need it. If you don't get it, you're either going to be loopy or moody, and we definitely don't need a moody youth pastor.
2. You're very extreme.
You like to cut bottles with a ninja sword, you like to drive a little fast down the back roads, and you like to do flips. We're very different in this sense, but it makes me appreciate you a little bit more--when I'm not worried, that is.
3. You're just a normal dude.
You love to hang out with us. Whether it’s a carpet ball tournament, a four-square tournament, just hanging out at the church, a bonfire or a random adventure, you love to hang out with us. Which is awesome! It's made it so much easier to bond with you and get to know you and I really appreciate you putting your kids first most times.
4. You're not just my youth pastor.
This is the crazy thing to me. You're not just my youth pastor. You have the ability to be my father figure, brother, cousin, best friend and pastor all in one! It's definitely a God thing because when I've needed fatherly advice, you're there. When I need the protection of a big brother, I can count on you. When I need a shoulder to cry on, someone to pray with me or someone to make me laugh, you're the best friend right there. When I need a coach for Fine Arts, you're the guy to encourage me along and help me be the best that I can be to show Jesus through me. But you never stop being my youth pastor, which I'm thankful for. Thank you for always reminding me and all the other kids to be humble, especially when we win medals for Fine Arts.
5. You're usually late.
I mean, you get to church on time, but for other things, you're usually a few minutes later. But hey, that's not a bad thing. I'm always late too.
6. You're very creative (and athletic).
You write these amazing human videos just out of your mind, God's Word and experience and it absolutely boggles me. You can read my spoken words and poems and know exactly what needs to be fixed to make it the best it can be. And then on top of that, you can run around and play kickball, volleyball, soccer and foursquare. I don't know how you do it.
7. I'm a leader.
You've taught me from very early in our friendship that I'm a leader in our youth group and how big of an influence I have. That has boosted my confidence and brought me out of my shell and into my full potential. Thank you.
8. God is at the center of everything, all the time.
You've taught me this a lot. Even though I knew it before, you really drilled it into my head. Prayer at the beginning, end, middle and randomly throughout service. Seeking Him continuously. We don't do anything unless it is for the glory of God. He is the reason we're here, He is the reason we have the gifts that we do and we should use them for Him. Thank you for reminding me of that constantly. Thank you for leading us by what Jesus says and helping us be more on fire for Christ. That is the most important thing you've ever done.
9. You've always believed in me.
Spoken Word, Human Video, or just welcoming a new kid at youth group--you've always believed that I could do and handle more than I might've thought and always push me into it, for which I'm thankful for in the end. You've opened my eyes to my abilities that I didn't know about before. You made me a lead when I didn't think I was even good enough to be a background person. You worked hour after hour with me on my spoken word, when I didn't even think it could be more than a few sentences. Thank you for encouraging me day and night and trusting me on our teams with those responsibilities. I hope I make you proud.