Phone Call

As I got out of a meeting and got back into my office I saw that I had a message on my voicemail at church. Being a youth pastor for about 11 years now, getting a phone call from a parent can go a few different ways:

Sit. #1 - I'm calling about that game you did on Wed. night. My son's tongue still has turned back to it's natural color yet. What are you gonna do about that?

Living in Jr. High world now there have been a few occasions where we've created some interesting games that have caused some "temporary" side effects. Nothing that won't return to normal in a few days. Kinda like the old doctor used to say, "Take 2 of these and call me in the morning". You know, doing some crazy games that create a "Wow Factor" for some laughs and create energy but we never shoot for games that will harm or embarrass a student. I joke a little with this situational call but they have been known to happen.

Sit. #2 -My son/daughter is really having a tough time . . . school, connecting at church, obeying me, etc.

I value these calls because it makes me realize a few things:

1. Parents aren't afraid to ask someone for help with their student because they love their student that much.
2. I'm humbled that a parent would see me as someone who can help with the situation. I know that I don't know all the answers and sometimes I think I might cause more harm to the situation that good but knowing that a parent believes I can help out fuels me to work harder in seeing how I can help them and their student.
3. The value in partnering with parents is of high priority in ministry. We need parents on the same page and side as us. We only have their students a few hours a week. They are with them 7 days a week 24 hours a day.
4. It helps me remember that ministry is about relationships.

Sit. #3 - I just wanted to thank you for hanging out with, talking with, calling, doing lunch with, encouraging, sending the note to, challenging, etc.

Although these phone calls are few and far between, when you get one it makes a huge difference and you remember them. I've learned that in ministry a lot of the thank yous and encouraging conversations happen sometimes years later after students have come and gone in your ministry. That's why when you get a phone call like this you feel on top of the world and it refocuses you that what you're doing, whether volunteer, part-time or full-time...IT'S WORTH IT! You are making a difference. You are changing lives. You are helping people take a step closer in their walk with Christ.

When I realized this several years ago I called my youth leaders, sent emails, made phone calls, sent texts and more to tell them how much they've made an impact on me. Every chance I can now I try to do that to them along with the amazing people I work with every day and the team I get to rub ministry shoulders with in Jr. High.

Today I'm thankful that the call I received out of the blue was a situation #3 phone call. IT'S WORTH IT! And I'm thankful for all the things that phone call made me think about: The value of relationships, parents, encouragement and more.

Thanks for the call. Now it's time for me and you to Pay it Forward. Are you ready? Bring it! Let's go!!