Dear Pastor Scott,
I have been thinking a lot about what you said last night about youth pastoring compared to coaching. Honestly, I had never thought about it before but I must say that my conclusions are quite different from the ones of the those interviewed. To me coaching is a really good way [to be a spiritual leader]... I want to be pushed to do things that are uncomfortable (even if at the time it sounds like I don't). I want to become more like Christ. I'm not happy with where I am in my relationship with Christ and I want it to be so much more. Like what I see in the Church fathers and in people like Jim & Elisabeth Elliott... and others who loved God so much that they were willing to give their lives for Him.
What I want from a youth pastor is someone who helps me own my faith. I don't just want the teaching that I have had for 17 years, nor do I want just a friend or mentor to help me through the strange years of high school and college. I don't want to just have fun and games.
I want to learn how to truly possess my faith!
I want to know in my heart that God is real...
I want to see God in those around me...
I want to be able to discuss the ways of the world and how to prepare for them...
I want to take responsibilities and learn how to do them...
I want to be challenged...
I want to be stretched...
I want to be real.
To me the guiding and pushing and encouraging of a coach is exactly what I want. The teaching, mentoring, and fun are all apart of it but coaching is what I need!
anonymous student
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