My boyfriend (soon to be fiance, as I accidently found out) and I are attending Bible College via Global University and Central Bible College this fall. Both are online courses, as he is interning with the Junior High YP and I work full time. I'm looking for advice to new youth pastors, as he may be licensed to preach later this year, and I would be certified by the end of this year. We know that God's will is perfect, and it's amazing the confirmations that God's given us. Thank you so much.
Hi, cbsoon: Welcome to the boards. There are a great group of ladies here. Everyone has truly been a blessing to me.
I've really thought hard about advice to give you. Dh & I were children & youth pastors several years before he was pastor. I was a pk all my life. I said that I would never marry a pastor (senior pastor). And I didn't. I married a youth pastor who never had dreams of being a senior pastor. But about 9 to 10 years into our marriage, God started working on both of us & we felt our calling changing/broadening. So, first know that marriage & ministry are a lifelong journey. Stay tuned in to God & to each other.
Number 2: Make sure you both develop good friendships with other ministers/wives. You need a support. This has been my greatest struggle. As a pw, you go through so much & see your dh go through so much. You need friends who you can trust & just hang with away from the church setting.
Number 3: Keep communication lines open with your senior pastor. Know what s/he expects from you. Support him/her.
Number 4: Communicate with the district/section officials. Be involved. This goes back to what I said about the need for friendships. Don't isolate yourselves. Trust me on this. I'm a voice of experience.
And finally, number 5: Southeastern University instead of Central. Just joking We're all Southeastern Alumni in our family.
Hope this helps some. Look forward to getting to know you.
