I’m the most organized person I know. If you know me you probably agree. If you don’t know me, let me send you an outline and schedule of how and when we can get together to become friends. This is why I hate when things go awry.
After 7 years of working in student ministry I have learned that there is no amount planning that can prepare you for the things that can (and will) go wrong when you’re working with students.
Anytime I hang out with high school students who have been around our student ministry for a while, the conversation tends to drift toward those chaotic events we all want to forget. “Do you remember when…
…when we got lost in Canada?”
…when everyone on the bus puked the whole way back from NC?”
…when Sean busted his face open on the tubing hill and his eye was falling out?”
…when they served us raw chicken at camp?”
…when the police showed up?”
…when you lost the Hecht family’s cat?”
Sigh. Yes, I remember. I recall every ridiculous thing that has ever gone wrong at every camp, mission trip and event we’ve ever done and so does everyone else. Why can’t anyone ever bring up the time we flawlessly served 350 cupcakes to our graduates and families? Or the time we came back from a mission trip on schedule with no injuries? No one remembers the brilliant teachings, artistically perfect worship sets or flawlessly executed events.
But, even with all of my type ‘A’ tendencies, I am completely fine with that. Students are going to remember the catastrophes. That’s where stories get interesting and memories are made. When it comes to building relationships, one catastrophe is worth 50 nights of youth group. So instead of freaking out, capitalize on the good fortune!
When things go wrong and you manage to right the ship and carry on, you build an extra supply of relational equity with your students. They will remember that you took control, made it work, and didn’t freak out (ok, maybe you freaked out a little). In the end, the crazy times reveal who you really are. When students see you in the midst of struggle and chaos it breaks down barriers and opens the door for greater ministry.
So, the next time all of your buses get stuck on the way to snow camp (not that it has ever happened to us…..twice) try to remember that you’ve hit the jackpot! You’re creating memories and experiences that will connect you to your students for a lifeline.
Christina Thelen has been involved in student ministry for 7 years. That’s 49 dog years. For the last 4 years she has served as the Department Coordinator of LifeLine–the student ministry of Ada Bible Church.
