Comments on: Reflections on Asian American (Youth) Ministry: Part One http://headsparks.com/2007/03/27/reflections-on-asian-american-youth-ministry-part-one/ //in the glow, then it fades Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:44:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: daniel so http://headsparks.com/2007/03/27/reflections-on-asian-american-youth-ministry-part-one/#comment-17 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:48:20 +0000 http://headsparks.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/reflections-on-asian-american-youth-ministry-part-one/#comment-17 This is where the rubber meets the road for me, personally. I have chosen to remain in youth ministry over the last ten years (well, to be more accurate, I believe that I have responded to God’s calling to stay in it) but it has been difficult.

I agree that there must be brave people who remain true to their calling to stick it out with youth (in the context of a church that values & supports youth ministry); I guess I’m just trying to figure out my place in all of that…

]]> By: marko http://headsparks.com/2007/03/27/reflections-on-asian-american-youth-ministry-part-one/#comment-15 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:14:27 +0000 http://headsparks.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/reflections-on-asian-american-youth-ministry-part-one/#comment-15 thanks for the kind words, daniel. and, for the interesting thoughts. yeah, i really agree with so much of what you’re saying (at least the parts i’m able to speak to!). it’s a cyclical problem. the 2nd/3rd class (in a valuation of ministry calling) keeps many out of youth ministry, and keeps salaries low. the low salaries and the lack of valuation keeps sharp youth workers from staying in it. with all (most) of the sharp youth workers leaving for other ministry roles or other jobs, no one stays long enough to be a fly in the systemic ointment. it’s a self-perpetuating system.

i think the only way it will change is if:
1. a handful of asian american youth workers put their foot down and communicate that this is their calling.
2. and, they are able to do this in a rare church that validates their calling (this validation shows in words, support, resources, salary, and other ways).

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