Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Letting Go of Your Seniors


About this time of year, something difficult happens. The seniors in your ministry began to “migrate to warmer climates.” Slowly transitioning to what is next. This phenomenon may have already started but here are 3 things to keep in mind:

Be Glad It Is Difficult to Say Goodbye to Seniors-One of the things I like is when I hear the youth workers voice catch when they talk about how much they love their seniors. I’m so glad you care about your seniors and it pains you that some are slowly leaving before their time. You care! You love them! Your pastoring them! So while it sometimes sucks that seniors bail early, you are doing the work of Jesus and caring for his sheep.

Be Glad They’re Ready to Move On-It is hard to think of this as a celebration, but you should want them to want to leave. This is a good thing; they are ready for the next stage! If you’ve been at your church for a long time, this is the most painful. But this is part and parcel to doing the ministry to which God has called you. I am sure it was difficult for Jesus to leave his disciples as well.

Help Them to the Finish Line Either Way-So they’re not coming to youth group quite as often-don’t give up on them just yet. Is there a way you can creatively minister to them-maybe with texts, notes, or a one-on-one meeting? Maybe resource, let them know you care and are available if they want to connect. Just because someone isn’t attending youth group doesn’t mean they don’t have any commitment to Christ, so work hard on fanning the flame, no matter how small the flicker may be.

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