Being a leader is not easy!
By Sharon38
@Sharon38 (1912)
Jamaica
June 9, 2008 8:07am CST
ALright I am the Youth Fellowship President for the past three years. To be honest I did not like what I saw was happening in the church and I decided to give the youths an ultimatum. Of course it worked and had them seriously thinking and coming out. So we decided to reorganise the youth fellowhip. We decided that we would have a praise team for the youth fellowhip. After deciding the names of the praise team every one voted on it and agreed.
However there is one particular member who is not a christian but it was overlooked because we wanted everyone to be active. Remember we all agreed to the list that was made! Sunday I discussed it with my PAstor and he advised me that the individual had to come off because of the life she was living. Fine - I agreed with him and went to discuss the matter with the individual who got upset and said she was not coming back becasue she knew that she could nto o it on Youth Sunday but in the youth Service it should be different. I understand her point and I do feel if for her but I made this mistake and had to talk to her to let her understand that he is the head and I have to obey what he says and at the same time explain to her from a biblical point of view where it was coming from and admit to my mistake.
You know that the rest of the youths all went behind my back discussion it and saying I should have known better - which is true- but why not come to me with it? So when I heard I said to one of them that they should all remember that we agreed on that decision and no one person should be blamed for it. They all knew that the girl lived with her guy I did not! I guess because I wanted to have her active in the group I just let discretion fly through the window. The thing is I am not upset or angry with them. I guess I am to be blamed more than anyone else seeign that I am the head of the youths. Well, I learnt a lesson that night and I do know that no time at all will I ask them to agree with any decisions we make without discussing it with Rev. first.
2 responses
@NVMapper (115)
• United States
9 Jun 08
Sounds like an easily resolved problem; just get the girl to move away from her boyfriend until he marries her! Ask your pastor if there are any funds availiable to help further this cause. I do find it strange that a youth group would even have such a problem, however living with another out of wedlock is more of a social issue than a biblical one since the Bible doesn't address the issue.
1 person likes this
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
13 Jun 08
Actually if she gets married she is still eligible because she is really young. I needed that reminder and thanks. God has given me others who are saved and willing to work so I should indeed focus on them and try to guide them in the right way.
Thank you for the encouragement too that I should not disobey my Pastor. Not everyone sees it this way.
@kerriannc (4279)
• Jamaica
9 Jun 08
What your Pastor did was wrong. This young girl join the youth fellowship because she want to be closer and have a relationship with God. Why judge her. Alot of us make mistake of judging but the bible says we should leave all judgement to God. When I was baptize the church did not have any youths in it so I decide to form a Youth Group. This church does not believe that women should has a pivotal role in the church because of what the bible says about the man being the head. So our President was a non christian. Our youth group was a vibrant one.
The bible says that we should shine our light so that man on earth see it and glorified God who is in heaven. The pastor error and this girl will take this on the negative side were at that moment you could have gain a soul. As the president it is best that you stood for the things that are right. As for the others they are as stupid in their faith as the Pastor. Use this mistake as a stepping stone and stand up for the non-believers. They need to know that they are welcome not only to make numbers but also in participation too.
1 person likes this
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
10 Jun 08
I see your point but I will stand my ground and obey the Pastor. The bible teaches that we need to submit to those who are in authority and I believe this with my whole heart. What I can do however is talk to her and reason with her because she respects me and listens to me whenever I talk. I cant go ahead and do things he speaks out against but I will indeed pay special attention to her.
We all wanted everyone to be involved but there are other aspects that we can use her just as effectively.
@tigertang (1749)
• Singapore
14 Jun 08
Nobody ever said that being a leader was easy. There are times when leaders have to make decisions that will hurt some people and you have to weigh the cost of your actions and make a decision from there.
Personally I think an argument with your pastor would have been the more Godly thing to do in this instance but I don't know the situation and I trust that you made your decisions given the best possible options to you. As long as you made the decisions you made with a clear concious, then I guess you have been showing leadership qualities.
1 person likes this
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 08
Well I honestly beleive in leading by example. I beleive that if I am to lead I have to learn to trust and obey those set over me and in authority. As for that young lady she is still a member of our youth fellowship and taking an active part too. Last Friday it was discussion night and she was very vibrant, asking questions and even tellingus that she does not understand and we should explain. Overall it was wonderful and I am happy to see them so full of life and showing interest in doing what they are called to do - to build.
