Promotion?

Since announcing that I had taken a pulpit work in Nashville, I have heard some odd comments. I completely understand the spirit in which they were given, but they are statements that I hope I never make.

Some have said things like, “We figured you’d be moving up soon.” That statement makes it sound as if I am getting some sort of promotion. I am not. Youth ministers are worth so much (more about that later) and so are pulpit ministers. I am simply taking another position with new challenges that, hopefully, fit my skills and talents better.

I have heard others say, “It’s about time you got your own church.” Careful! It is not “my” church; it’s the Lord’s Church! When we say that some man is getting “his own church,” we are implying that he is the pastor of the congregation; an idea completely foreign to the New Testament organization of the Church. While the pulpit minister exerts a great deal of influence through his teaching, preaching and example, he does not run things. He is not the head of the congregation.

This move is simply Adam practicing what he preaches. I tell our young people often that they should follow their dreams and go where they can use their talents for the Lord in the best way possible. That’s what I’m doing. I love working with young people, but it’s time to move on (not up!) to a pulpit position.

For those of you who are youth ministers, let me say, “thank you.” Keep on teaching the Bible. Young people need to see that you care, but they don’t need another pal; they need a dedicated, hard-working, Bible-teaching minister. They need someone who will be bold enough to tell them when something isn’t right, and who will be excited when something is done well. Congregations need someone who will get others involved in the young people’s lives, not just someone who will “be at” everything in lieu of the parents.

Elders, you need to make sure you are not hiring a social director; but, rather, a preacher who works with young people. While fun activities are fine, and I enjoy having them every so often, the main focus of the youth program should be to bring young people closer to God. Are we filling the position of youth minister with a fun guy who just happened to attend a Christian school; or are elders truly seeking a teacher who loves the Truth and God’s young people?

I will be forever grateful for the youth ministers with whom I have had such close association over the past 6 1/2 years. The youth ministers in Northwest Alabama are some of the best in the brotherhood. They know the Bible and they teach it to the young people. They are fun to be around, but that isn’t their focus. I’m thankful they have helped me keep my focus on sharing God’s message with young people.

I’m not getting a promotion. I’m just changing tracks a bit. Solid youth ministers are worth their weight in gold, and I’m thankful for each one.