i quit and feel so much better
The Association of Youth Ministry Educators published a study back in 2002 and I just stumbled across it. It would be terrific for someone to follow up and see if the findings are still true. They measured a ton of stuff among active and former youth workers - studying length of tenure in youth ministry locations; age when a person began the ministry; salary information; as well as satisfaction or “well-being” in a number of categories.
The issue that jumped out at me for obvious reasons was, most former youth workers (over 70%) reported that their relationship with God improved dramatically upon leaving full-time youth work.
That should tell us something.
It seems to me that the current or dominant models of “doing” youth ministry are not healthy for those who are carrying it out. Or the majority of those who are carrying out the dominant models of youth ministry are employing the current ministry models in a fashion that is detrimental to their spiritual health.
Something needs to change. This is unacceptable.
It is an older study - but I have a hunch based solely on my own anecdotal evidence gathered over many breakfasts and lunches with youth workers over the past few years - and I bet a new study would find very similar findings.
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ADDENDUM - by the way my own experience reinforces the findings of this study.
Yo phreak: Interesting stuff. I’ve put out an APB to the youth people here. Rick Lawrence has already responded that he wasn’t aware of it but that he’ll talk to the AYME guys and see if he can get more info. I’ll let you know if anything happens.
thanks carl
mucho appreciated.
The Stats would still hold true if not higher. Over my 13 years, I have heard it over and over again for guys how have left. Kind of makes you think…