A joy and a privilege

This week was our tenth Bible-Centred Youthwork Conference for (mainly) full-time children’s and youth workers. For those on the team it’s four days – long hours – draining – challenging – humbling – inspiring. And a joy and privilege…

A joy:

• to see faithful workers who’ve been coming 6, 8, even 10 years – to see how the Lord has been working in their lives, growing and challenging them, developing their gifts, making them more like Jesus
• to meet new children’s and youth workers, often in their first year, who are on fire for the Lord and passionate about sharing the gospel
• to watch those who are new to unpacking Bible passages have their eyes opened to the joy of understanding and teaching God’s Word
• to to be fed with fantastic Bible teaching (all the main sessions and seminars are recorded, and will be available for free download from this website in a couple of weeks)

A privilege:

• to serve godly men and women who are so committed to the ministry God has given them
• to listen to those who are struggling or hurting; to walk alongside them for a while and pray with them
• to be excited for those whose ministry is bearing fruit, or have a growing passion to serve the Lord in new ways

I always come back exhausted – but also thrilled by seeing God at work, and being with so many of His workers in the harvest field. Forgive me if it sounds overly pious, but it genuinely is a joy and privilege every year.