Youth Ministry: A Service Or An Occupation?

A Service or An Occupation? Through the years, I observed many people not specifically called to “service jobs” transform a so-called “occupation” into a fulfilling service career. Often people view occupations as physically frustrating, emotionally draining, and spiritually fruitless. Such thinking is deplorable. When an occupation is solely for “putting bread on the table,” in a sense, labor is being prostituted. Many people trade their time, labor, and bodies to corporations who pay the most. Similarly, prostitutes sell their body and time to the highest bidder. When looking at this issue, one could draw a parallel between themselves and prostitutes. This mentality is especially evident among employees of large corporations and even

Ultimately, how is youth ministry viewed? What is youth ministry’s societal perception, specifically, as an occupation or a service? A service is defined as “the action of helping or doing work for someone. An occupation is defined as “a job or profession.” However, youth ministry is a service focusing solely on the marrow of loving passionate teenagers, many trying to figure out who they are. Through my interview with First United Methodist Broken Arrow’s Youth Pastor, Paige Gaither, I observed her ministry as a service rather than an occupation because the nucleus of her ministry is people, and working with teenagers is physically draining, yet spiritually and emotionally renewing. Unlike those who obsess over monetary benefits and selfishly sell themselves, Paige selflessly

I asked Paige, “How are you rewarded? Physically, emotionally and spiritually,” and she responded “Physically: [It] keeps me active with games and running all over the place during events/camps. Mostly, it’s physically draining though. Emotionally it is also draining, but working in a place where people take care of each other has its rewards. We are all pouring out our love to others and each other, so anytime I’m feeling drained there is someone else there helping me and encouraging me as well. Spiritually: Complete growth! To teach others, you have to learn. I’ve always told Ryan, my husband, that in ministry you feel like you are Peter drowning in the water and the only thing that holds you above the water is Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. This means to push forward and continue ministry you have to stay connected to the Spirit. So you will experience so much growth in this.” Paige refuses to disclose financial details because she believes investing in youth and creating opportunities for them to grow and find out who they are in Christ provides eternal benefits rather than temporary monetary benefits. Paige’s response when asked about fiscal benefits, proves working for someone bestows purpose rather than generating endless frustration, purposeless work, and emotional