"A youth worker in our town was recently fired because he was reaching the "wrong kind of kid." I thought the wrong kind of kid was the right kind of kid.
The elders insisted that youth ministry was not about bringing in the "riff raff" off the streets but working with the kids that were already Christians.
I thought we were all riff raff. – Mike YaconelliA couple of months ago, I was on a plane headed toward Santiago, Chile (thankfully, Kristen and I were blessed with "free" tickets), to visit my brother Dave, who had become the pastor of a church there last year. I was reading a book by Mike Yaconelli on the plane. When we returned to the states, I got word that Mike had been in an automobile accident and was
welcomed into the presence of that God who loves "riff raff." It was strange to realize I was reading his book at the time.
At his memorial service, I realized that in terms of youth ministry, Mike had probably impacted and influenced my thinking (and probably youth ministry as a whole in this country) more than anyone else. He founded Youth Specialties that gave us such resources as the Idea books, which have saved many a Youth Minister in need of a creative activity. 20 years ago, he helped me realize that building relationships with and unconditionally loving teenagers were more important than leading great games or even my phenomenal Bible studies teaching youth all those Greek words they’ve been so anxious to learn! As I get older, it is so encouraging for me to remember I can still have an impact on teenagers by caring about them and showing interest in their lives.
Next, I began reading a new book by Dr. Lewis Drummond, who was my seminary evangelism professor. I would sit enthralled as he would share his adventures – like having just returned from Poland, preaching with Billy Graham at one of his incredible crusade meetings. The many classes I had under Dr. Drummond probably influenced me more than anyone relating to the church-wide evangelistic, revival, renewal-type meetings I am involved in. As I was reading his book, I read an article that Lewis Drummond had passed into eternity. It was eerie to realize that the 2 men that played such a major part in shaping the 2 main aspects of this ministry, passed into eternity while I was reading books they had written. I know what you’re thinking, "If I ever write a book, I’m not giving a copy to Larry."
I thank God that He allowed my life to intersect theirs and pray that in some small way I can pass on the Godly wisdom they passed on to me.
"Christ never promised that Christianity would be exciting, adventurous, or radical. He simply said it was the truth." – Mike Yaconelli