Determine if and where change is needed. When your life is a garbage pit, only two things can change: your situation or your attitude. Most of the time, we need to change our hearts. This is the process where we become more like Jesus.
I love that advice! I’d add a few more thoughts.
More Tips for When You Feel Like Quitting
1. Get to the bottom of the discouragement.
Work hard to discover the truth behind the hurt. You may find very quickly that it’s not about “them.” Rather, it’s you … your pride, fear, and deep insecurities. And that’s okay! Awareness leads to healing. I just hate to see people make big decisions and quit without facing the truth.
2. Take some time away.
Don’t curl up and binge reruns and eat yourself into a sugar-coma. Instead, get away for a couple of days. Steer clear of email that could trigger you. Stay off your phone. Grab a journal, a book or two, and a Bible. Think, rest your weary heart and busy pace, go quiet and introspective. Basically, get away from the situation for a short time to gain perspective.
3. Make a list of VRTs.
These are Very Refreshing Things. They may be people, places, hobbies, activities…whatever refreshes you. Make that list. Then keep writing. Aim for 30 ideas. Some will take more time than others. But try to infuse one idea a day into your ministry schedule.
Neither Matt nor I have a secret bullet for what to do when you feel like quitting. But both of us can relate. So know that you’re not alone. Not everyone understands ministry, especially youth ministry. Who knows, maybe it is time to quit. But it’s probably not. Hang in there!
What else would you add to the list? What helps when you feel like quitting youth ministry?
