Affirmation for a Female Youth Leader
After a middle school retreat where I spoke, I felt like God had set up a little affirmation station just for me. The kind you might find at a youth ministry convention. With little candy bars and notes saying you’re awesome, loved, and on the right track.
It came from the voices of male leaders too. Even those who may have been uncomfortable approaching a female thanked me. I could see they knew we were “same team” and that I understood them. I could smell what they were stepping in as they loaded up vans and buses to travel home with kids who may or may not have showered in three days.
As a speaker, I get to see new and unchartered parts of God’s image all over the country and world. I am blessed to meet and experience new people. Sometimes I can’t believe I get to do this.
My favorite part? Hearing back from teenagers who wrestled with God’s Word during an intensely fun and focused weekend. The middle school guys didn’t let me down after the retreat. They said:
- Thanks for sharing this weekend.
- Thanks for being yourself.
- You’re a great talker.
- You’re good at telling stories.
- You made me think.
- We’re going to go back to our youth group and be the leaders now.
- Will you take a picture with our purple monkey?
- I really like your sweater.
- Do you like the Beastie Boys?
- Can I have your number? (Um, no! But I’d be happy to sign your shirt and fist-bump you outta here!)
What are your thoughts on being or having a female youth leader? Please share them with youth ministry colleagues in the comments section.
