Celebrating the Unique Calling of a Youth Pastor

Buddy the Elf said it well when he said, “Christmas is coming! That’s my favorite time of the year!” We likely differ on the reason why it’s our favorite time. Mine has less to do with the Santa whom Buddy knew and more to do with the Jesus I know. Buddy’s celebrations revolved around Santa. My celebrations revolve around Jesus. Buddy found joy in Santa. I find joy in Jesus. And it’s because of that joy in Jesus that I love all things Christmas!

Christmas morning might be my favorite moment of the year. There’s the quiet hum of anticipation before the wrapping paper flies, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking, the sparkle of lights bouncing off ornaments. And then the moment when you finally open the gift. You know the one. The one that was picked out just for you, the one that has your name on it, the one that you’ve been eyeing under the tree, the one you’ve been hoping for, the one you can’t wait to try out.

In many ways, discovering and living out my calling as a youth pastor has felt just like opening that gift. It’s a gift God picked out just for me–it’s unique, personal, and full of potential. Just like the gifts of Christmas mornings, when I first unwrapped it, it was exciting but extremely overwhelming. In the early years (and many times since), I have held it in my hands, turning it over, trying to figure out just what it is and how it works. 

While God equips us for that which He calls us to, in most cases, we don’t receive a calling that’s fully assembled or instantly mastered. He gives us something better–a journey and the promise that He will never abandon us. We might not be experts right away, but just like with Christmas gifts, the joy grows as we learn and explore our calling. How special that His calling is not one-and-done, but rather an invitation to keep discovering more of who He is and who He created us to be. Just like the best Christmas gifts, it’s meant to be used, practiced, and enjoyed.

Think back to when you received that dream gift as a kid–you know, that skateboard, guitar, or camera—did you become a pro overnight? I’d guess not. You scraped your knees, played the wrong chords, and took blurry photos for a while. But you kept at it because it was fun and because it was yours. So why would our calling in youth ministry be any different? We make our fair share of mistakes, and we learn lessons and we grow a little more in each season. And over time, it is beautiful to see how God shapes us through every youth trip we take, every lesson we prepare, and every talk we have with a student.

Find a moment to pause this Christmas to remember that your calling is still one of God’s greatest gifts. Not because it’s easy or polished, but because it’s personal. God chose YOU to reach a generation with His love–to listen, to laugh, to lead, and to help students unwrap the truth of who Jesus is.

So, sip your cocoa and look back on the year and celebrate your calling–and all that comes along with it. It’s okay if you’re still figuring it out; most gifts don’t come with perfect instructions. Keep exploring it, playing with it, and sharing it as you journey. For we journey WITH God. He is Immanuel, God with us.

Because somewhere, in a youth room lit by Christmas lights and laughter, God is using you–His uniquely gifted youth pastor–to help students discover the greatest gift of all: Jesus Himself. And that, my friend, is something worth celebrating not just this time of year, but all year round.

Jana Burnham
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