What Youth Ministry Taught Me

I spent the first 9 years of my pastoral ministry with young people. Four things youth ministry taught me.

1. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a church of young people. We better take youth ministry seriously. As of now the church has no well-established program that meets the needs of young adults and young professionals.

2. Youth ministry is based on relationships. Programs don’t win their hearts. The last thing young people need is a lecture or a sermon. They need a friend. A listening ear. Someone who will pray with them individually. That requires a lot of time. But when young people love you, most likely they will love your Savior. A youth ministry founded on relationships not only becomes appealing and attractive to young people but fruitful as well.

3. Youth Ministry takes risks. Young people are not robots. You have to reason with them and try to explain the Biblical principles behind the rules. God was never a dictator, why would you be one. Explain te why and be consistent. So when they get off the track of traditional views or fall into sin, love them more. ...and show it please.

4. Youth ministry is out of this world. It’s creativity and responsibility. What worked for you back then may not work now. Be innovative. There are a thousand ways of doing old things new. And please give everyone a responsibility. Young people just love being a part of something.

Lifting and Influencing Leaders

All leaders had had their own personal setbacks. I had mine. But instead of brooding over my failures and bitterness of the past I decided I will become an inspiration to the workforce of Central Luzon Conference.

I will resist the temptation of “status-quo-ministry.” I will develop creativity and innovation in my ministry and seek to inspire others to do the same. I will not be stuck with yesterday’s methods and prayerfully discover new ways of delivering the gospel. I will help enhance old procedures become more efficient and effective. I will shun politically-motivated church agenda and activities. I will attempt to look at things from different cultural and ministry perspectives. I will cease to depend on my wisdom and rely entirely upon the outworking and guidance of the Spirit.

I will also cease from waiting for the right opportunities before I improve myself. Instead I will enjoy and improve on the opportunities given me by God so that when the next big wave comes I will be ready for the ride of my life.

I wish to become a blessing to my fellow ministers and in so doing widen the sphere of my influence and friendship. As a leader I will always choose to lift and grow other leaders. So help me, God!

Keep Your Family Day Holy

If salvation is by works many pastors will surely make it to heaven. Pastors keep their appointments. They faithfully perform their duties. They observe the Sabbath. But how many relish and keep their family days holy?

When pastors consistently take pleasure in taking a day-off in a week to be with their families, there will be a lot more disciple-makers in the church where now there is one.

Questions Young Pastor Ask: How do I know if I am called into the ministry?

Question: How do I know if I am called into the ministry?

Answer: Surely one of the scariest questions you may hear is: Have you been called to the ministry? I encourage you to prayerfully consider the following text on the theme of ministry: Isaiah 6;1 Corinthians 4, 9, 12-14; Ezekiel 34; Ephesians 4:1-16; Matthew 4:18-22; 10; 28:16-20; Philippians 2:1-11. Please read Ellen White on Testimonies to Ministers, especially pp. 142-158

I am His child

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. Hebrews 4:16

What do you need to fear when you know you can just get into God’s presence anytime? After all he is your great Father and Friend! There is no greater joy than knowing we can come to God anytime. He is just waiting for us. Not because He is far from us. He wants us to know that He is just beside us all the time. All we need to do is recognize He is beside us. So won’t you take the time to talk to Him right now?

What’s great with God is that aside from being our faithful Friend, He is also our majestic King. Imagine this. God in his throne overseeing the affairs of the universe. Perhaps busy holding an intergalactic meeting with other created beings of the universe. But anytime you call Him, He’ll leave his meeting behind just to be with you. And I can see God leaving his sit and walk towards you.

He is the personal God I know. And He is willing to leave everything behind. Even heaven itself. Why? He finds pleasure and joy simply by being with you. Can’t you see how much He loves you?

So the next time you feel abandoned by God remember he is just a door knock away. Open the door and ask Him, “Dad, can we just talk right now?”

“Sure! Let me just put Gabriel in charge of this meeting.”

And there is God beside you. Making no excuses from spending this special moment with you. You are His joy! So go meet our Dad. Our Abba- Father.

Who are you to ask such a thing? You are his child, for heaven’s sake!
- ADBernardo