It's the question few of us youth leaders dare to ask: when's the right time to pack it in? When is it wise before God to call it a day in running your youth and children's group?
Such a question is likely to generate a number of responses: which of the following would you agree with?
Stop
...when you've lost enthusiasm for the task.
...before you get too old.
...when you find you need the group more than they need you.
...before the temptations associated with working with young people get too powerful to handle.
...when you find you can't relate to them anymore.
...when it doesn't feel like the right thing.
...when you're told to.
...when your involvement is so invading your life you haven't got time to iron your shirts for work.
...when there's someone better able to do it.
...when you find there's no time for you to spend time with some non-Christian friends.
...if you're not trendy enough.
...only when you've trained someone to take over from you.
...when your own personal walk with Christ is suffering.
Or, for keeping on going... what do you make of the following?
Don't stop
...the group needs you to be there for them long-term.'
...you've always done it. You wouldn't know what else to do.'
...there's no-one else to take it on.'
...well, just do another year (and another...)'
...we'll find some people to work alongside you as soon as we can.'
...we've had a group like this in the village for 60 years. It would be such a shame if it came to an end.'
...it keeps the kids out of mischief.
...you don't find the Bible talking like that.
...you're the only one in our church with the time.
...you're actually rather gifted at it.
...it's better to burn out than to rust away.
Maybe you've caught yourself using (or at least thinking) one or more of those arguments. Maybe you've heard them quoted at you. Some seem to make sense, others less so, still others are dreadfully loaded with emotion. Which are valid?
Here are some biblical principles which point to the following advice for any youth or children's leader considering this question:
Watch yourself
Are there dangerous temptations in your youth or children's work which are proving overwhelming? What action will you take to root them out? Or is it that you are just exhausted? How is your own walk with Christ - your Bible-reading and prayer, your witness for him?
Check your motives
Is it that you have lost your way and need the group to bolster your own self-esteem? Is it that you have lost enthusiasm for the work? Why is that? Will you go back to the cross and to Jesus himself and ask him to get your perspective straight and to renew your love for him?
Keep to the Bible's agenda
The New Testament emphasizes godliness not trendiness, and it looks first for those able to teach the Bible well ahead of those with a particular age or haircut. And it says the best teaching is done by those who model it - life-to-life alongside others in a long-term, low-key way.
Serve Christ
Give yourself fully to the work you've been entrusted with, as a living sacrifice. Of course it will be hard work- that's the nature of gospel ministry - and that's not to be an excuse for chucking it in. But what a privilege to have this role of introducing Jesus to others and equipping them to live for him.
Look to God
Have you developed an attitude problem? To say and mean 'Not my will, but yours, Lord' takes a deep-down willingness to let God rule. Take the whole matter to him in prayer and trust his timing.
Listen to others
Take advice from older, wiser Christian friends whom you respect. Do they see that God is using you and your gifts in this role?
Work at progress
If you feel you've 'been there, done that' and have been round the youth group year too often, keep thinking how you could do it better - with greater clarity, depth, individual care, teamwork, training, prayer etc. How could you improve things?
Go on, take the opportunity
As you seek God's kingdom and his righteousness, are there doors that God is opening up for you? Is there a new task to take hold of? Will you co-operate with him?
Just because you started in youth or children's work doesn't mean you're stuck in it for the next 50 years. But it might, and if so, consider it a privilege.
But whether we stay or go, let's make sure we do so supremely for the progress of the gospel and the glory of God, and let that be our over-riding motive. Right?
Worth looking at:
1 Thess 2; 1 Tim 4; Titus 1; Colossians 1, 2 & 4; Acts 18, 20 etc; Romans 12; 1 Cor 12.
