I’m a Youth Pastor, and have been for the past 13 years or so…
During that time, I’ve counseled, ate with, preached to, laughed with, cried with and shared life with literally thousands of students. Maybe you’ve been one of them.
I’ve missed countless weekends with my family, lots of sleep and tons of other “normal” life experiences, so that I could minister to teenagers. And as much as I would like to think that during those 13 years, that all I ever did was encourage, love, inspire and help, I realize that is simply not possible.
Being human (as much as it pains me to realize), I know that my words have often been too harsh, my patience too thin and my anger too quick.
In other words, I’ve screwed-up… royally.
There have been too many times that I have forgotten the lives you live outside of our two hours each week at church.
There have been moments when words meant to challenge have instead, damaged.
There have been times when my busyness trumped my compassion.
There have been days when correction felt like judgement.
And, being a pastor whose calling is to help and heal people, those moments are the greatest disappointments one could have.
So to all those teenagers and parents, past and present, whose hearts I have hurt, whose pain I have overlooked, or whose spiritual paths I have made rougher, I apologize and ask for your forgiveness.
Fortunately, I’m not the end of the story, and there is a God, who will not fail and will not falter, and if anything, hopefully those times when I or any pastor messes-up, it will remind you of both your and our need for One who is truly worthy of worship and lofty expectations.
At the end of it all, I hope that the lingering message you have received from our time together, is that there is a God, and that He created and adores you; that you are worth the greatest price and are priceless.
Sadly, I, and all others who minister in any capacity, will probably continue to get it wrong, miss the mark and fail at our task. We will seek to lift you up but will let you down.
But I pray that during those times, you will be patient and forgiving, and that you will simply see that the need for prayer and Grace is ours to share.
With deep apologies, trying to do better.
John, Pastor and Screw-Up
