If you work in youth ministry you know that every once in a while we come across students who become….how to put it lightly…..extreme PAINS in our BUTTS!!!  They complain about EVERYTHING, they criticize EVERYTHING, they misbehave, they cause disturbances, like I said they’re just major beatings to us.  In the past few years I’ve come across a few of those students, but instead of trying to find ways to “encourage” them to leave, we’ve implemented a different plan for these “Trouble Students.”

One such student that I encountered was making my life at the church miserable.  They just were not happy with anything.  So after some prayer (and some extra strength advil) we felt a leading to create some leadership opportunities for this student.  I have to admit, I was a little skeptical on how well it would go.  Like many youth workers, I suffer from the “Lone Ranger” Syndrome, I just like to go it alone, to do everything myself.  (not a good plan) 

So after a little bit of apprehension, we created some responsibilities for this student.  It started out pretty small, like writing the monthly newsletter article for our congregation.  Then it was announcing things during our meeting times, which led to them working with the younger students in our ministry, to finally after a few month, actually planning and leading an entire special event. 

Now during this progression we noticed a lot of changes in this student.  They complained less, they whined alot less, and they started to take ownership in part of the youth ministry.  This student gained through practical, hands-on experience, a new appreciation for what we as youth leaders go through.  It created a very valuable empathy towards the other youth leaders, and we saw this student mature spiritually through this process as well.  They began to understand that Youth Ministry is not about them, but about serving others, and that is where TRUE leadership begins.  A leader with a servant’s heart, is a leader with a Christ-like heart. 

Don’t pull your hair out, don’t punch any walls, and don’t run away from Youth Ministry when students start complaining.  Give them responsibility, give them your trust, and see where it leads them.  I know that it will lead them closer to Christ.