A Call to See and Be Near

One thing has become apparent in my "day job" with men who batter and aggressive individuals: hurting people often hurt others. Sometimes it's a defense mechanism, sometimes it's all they know to do. As youth workers we're called to minister to all youth, not just the ones who are easy to get along with. Engagement rather than avoidance is easier said that done sometimes, isn't it? Andrew Root, assistant professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary has a good article in the Presbyterian Record about relational youth ministry and suffering:


"Too often relational youth ministry avoids suffering, and therefore lacks the boldness and bravery to enter into the full humanity of adolescents. But suffering doesn’t work like the glowing green hand of infection. When suffering is shared, often its power to strangle is broken. Things may remain painful and difficult, but when we’re no longer alone, suffering feels (and is) no longer life-threatening. The power of suffering to determine our destiny is broken when suffering is shared in relationship. We may then argue that the heart of relational youth ministry is actually shared suffering."


Root has an interesting perspective to share. It's well worth pondering. You can read his full article here.