I guess the point of this post is simply to make it “blog official”. I know I don’t have many readers
here anymore… That’s what happens when you only post 4 times per year.

We are extremely excited about this calling and are looking forward to how God will show his glory as we’re faithful to it. While we are not immune to fears of the unknown (Are we strong enough for this? Will our vision even work? Did God screw up when He convicted us of this? Is our family ready for such radical change? Are we prepared for the inevitable hurt that will come our way? How will we pay our basic bills?), we are confident that God has surrounded us with an incredible community to serve with and will provide for us as He always has.

Most of my blogging will be taking place over here, but I plan to use this as a place to share insights into our lives as we learn and grow as a family through this process.

I am extremely thankful for the leadership of New Harvest Church, specifically Barry Braun. Barry and the elders have been beyond generous and supportive and there is no way we would be ready for January if it wasn’t for them.

So, like I said, if you want more details check out my wife’s blog or head on over to the PAX website.

Throughout the process I have been challenged repeatedly. My call to church planting has been confirmed, but my method has been flipped upside down (in a good way). I could go on and on about how God has used this process in my life, but that would take forever and I don’t feel like typing very much. So, I’ll cut to the chase. During a Webinar this afternoon, the presenter, Eric Bryant, said the following phrase:

“Never choose talent over character.”

This phrase was in response to a participant’s question regarding releasing people into ministry roles. Obviously, I completely agree with this statement, in theory. However, I am still processing it. Writing this brief blog is part of my processing… err… process.

How does this phrase stir you when it comes to ministry and church leadership? I know this blog is primarily for high school students (who are totally welcome to respond), but for any of you previously or currently involved in ministry folks, I’d love to hear from you. At what point is “good character” not quite enough and some talent is needed? Is there a point where the talent is so great that serious character flaws are viewed as areas of possible growth, rather than disqualifying factors?

I’d love to know your thoughts.

I remember when I first realized the Holy Spirit was leading me into youth ministry. Jess and I would discuss what it would be like for me to be in full-time ministry (occupational). We’d talk about the time commitment and the financial sacrifice. We’d discuss the importance of keeping our family ahead of the ministry. We even talked about Jess’ role within the ministry. We felt we were prepared for whatever could come our way.

However, we never discussed what it would be like to get a phone call at one o’clock in the morning because a student had been kicked out of their house and had nowhere to go. We never prepared ourselves for the stories of abuse we would hear, regularly. I never considered the first time I’d have to tell a student that her dad had passed away (and follow that up with three more similar conversations over the next six months). It never occurred to me that parents would look to me for guidance as their kids spiraled into dangerous rebellion. I never thought that I’d be the one providing comfort as a mother sat next to her son’s hospital bed. It never crossed my mind that even though I would pour my life into these students in an effort to help them see God’s incredible love for them, many would choose to walk away and reject the Gospel. The idea that a student would steadily grow in their faith throughout their years in high school only to compromise everything they believe after graduating, was foreign to me. And the reality that many parents in the church are actually poor examples to their children and fail to raise them in light of the Gospel, seemed crazy.

I guess, when I’m really honest, I wasn’t prepared for the pain. I wasn’t prepared to struggle with sleep for days and weeks, because of what was happening in student’s lives. I didn’t think about how hard it would be to come home to my daughter and play with her as if everything was okay, while families were being destroyed and kids were hurting. I underestimated the effect this calling would have on my marriage.

I know that I am not the only youth pastor that has been forced to confront these realities. I also know that many have dealt with them to a much a greater degree than myself.

So, is it worth it?

As I reflect on this question, I wonder if I had known everything I know now, would I have chose this? If I knew it would be hard and painful and not all about games and baptisms… would I have still said yes to God’s call? Honestly, I don’t know.

In Matthew 9 we see Jesus traveling throughout cities and villages, teaching and healing people. As He was walking with His disciples, His eyes became fixed on the crowds of people and verse 36 offers this insight:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

This is a very familiar verse. We love it because it speaks of Jesus’ compassion towards people. However, we often overlook the irony in this passage. Jesus saw a crowd and felt compassion, later a crowd would see Jesus and shout, “crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22, 23). Jesus knew what His future held. He knew that these people, and all people, would cause Him great pain. Yet He had compassion on them, He would go to the cross for them, He loved them… because to Jesus, it was worth it.

This passage has always been both a great challenge and encouragement to me. It is a challenge to follow in the footsteps of my Savior as someone who has compassion on a broken and hurting crowd regardless of its effect on me. It is also encouraging to know that I don’t have to follow Him up the cross. He went there for me, because I too am a member of that crowd. No matter how heavy or painful things can get, He can handle it and has told me to put it on Him. My job is simply to follow Him to the foot of the cross… and then to the empty grave.

Ultimately, yeah, it is worth it. If you are a youth pastor (and you are doing your job) it will be difficult. You can choose to be like the majority and walk away. You can choose to try to carry it all yourself and end up bitter and tired. Or, you can recognize the honor it is to have this call on your life, rest in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, embrace the power and strength found in His resurrection, and preach the Gospel boldly.

You see, before I said yes to God I didn’t necessarily count the cost. However, every time I consider walking away I am not accurately viewing the reward. I have had the privilege of watching families reconciled, people healed, students’ saved, and much more – I’ve had a front row seat to God’s miracles.

If you are a youth pastor, know this: it is absolutely worth it.

Holy Spirit, allow me to rely on You. Jesus, you promised me that your yoke was easy and your burden light. Allow me to experience the rest you offer. Father, be glorified.

Worship and Q&A Night from Chad Harvey on Vimeo.