Greetings, companion youth leaders across the nation! Let me open up my heart to share what God has been speaking to me recently and I believe will bless you too.

You have been chosen by God to lead in the spiritual development of youth actively involved in an Assemblies of God youth ministry. You have been appointed to champion the extension of your faith with their faith to spread the King’s message across every land and sea. You are at the heart of God’s Great Commission for 2008. You have been called to win, build and send students. (Matthew 4:19 and 28:19-20)

I am blown away at God’s amazing grace and trust in us. Despite all our inept mistakes, foolish thoughts and petty selfishness God wants us and believes in us.

Last fall, I was asked to speak to the youth leaders of a sister denomination in a national podcast. In preparation, I was reviewing a list of “leadership” suggestions, including books that I would share. I didn’t want to provide the common list. Rather, I sensed that God was directing me away from the cosmopolitan mantra. Immediately following my prayer time, I stumbled upon one of my books entitled, Leadership Prayers by Richard Kriegbaum. I had forgotten about this little book that sat quietly on my shelf.

2007 was a challenging year for me. I am not sure I have ever worked so hard for so long and felt like I had accomplished so little. From my human perspective it seemed like a plate-spinning year of ministry for me, overloaded with meetings that often leave a minister’s heart wanting. In my spirit I know it was a profitable twelve months, especially the launching of the Fire Bible Student Edition. However, I was thrilled to welcome 2008 with its new beginnings. New beginnings have their own challenges, but nonetheless those are fresh and filled with vision.

Reading this book, I was deeply moved. God began to renew my heart and viewpoint. Let me share a powerful truth perspective from the first chapter of Leadership Prayers for you to consider at the brink of this new year.

Kriegbaum says, “my identity as a person – and as a leader – depends on seeing myself and what I do as God sees them.”  In other words, don’t be fooled to think that you are just a youth leader in God’s eyes, since most others see you as youth leader first in their perspective, whether that is good or bad. Another way to say it is, “I am not National Youth Director. It’s just what I do. I am God’s.

You are not Youth Pastor, Youth Sponsor, Director, or Missionary. You are Mark, Matt and Michael. You are Jeffrey, Jen and Jon. God chose YOU before He chose you to lead!  That is fresh perspective that will awaken the spirit and calm the soul so that a man or woman of God can truly lead!!! Let that sink in.

Now, let’s go after God and do what He has blessed us to do in 2008! God loves youth, youth leaders and youth ministry!

Blessings,
Jay and the NYM Team