Hi, my name is Mike and I have E.D.(That’s “educator’s doubts.” Not that other thing…)
I don’t know if I’m alone here, but nothing challenges me more as a youth worker than preparing a message.
It’s not because I hate public speaking. In fact, I enjoy being the center of attention. I always have-it’s a firstborn thing. What bothers me isn’t the studying required to break down text, or the object lessons to drive a point home, or the fact that I have to stop a dozen times while speaking to keep the group on track. Nope, that’s all cool.
What challenges me-and often just downright bothers me-is the content. How am I supposed to stand there and talk about following The Way and being a disciple when I’m struggling with the same thing?
I’d probably feel a little less insecure if it didn’t happen all the time. It’s not like I have anything totally nailed down. Every time I prepare a lesson, I feel that (annoying) nagging in the back of my mind that says, “Hey, Mike, why don’t you take some of your own advice.” More often than not, the same passages I’m supposed to teach on kick my own butt.
This week, for example, we’re talking about some of the basics: Bible reading and prayer. And, of course, I start thinking about my own prayer time. How often do I really set aside everything else and listen what God has to say? Do I create space in my life to sense His presence while I’m running from one thing to the next? When I’m honest with myself, the answer isn’t that pretty.
Here’s my question for you… how do you handle those feelings of insecurity?
Are they a natural part of leading, putting yourself under a microscope, and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s nudges?
When do you know it’s a bigger issue as in God telling you, “Why don’t you lay off that subject for now. We need to work on it together first.” I’d love to hear from some more “seasoned” youth workers out there for some advice.
In the meantime, I’ll just sit, wait, and see if I experience feelings of insecurity lasting longer than four hours.
