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Episode 183 - Bury It

by Seth Bartlette
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
All, Episode
8 comments

The Youth Ministry Garage team reunites again for another weekly dose of youth ministry questions and answers. This week we celebrate Gavin’s birth (the son of executive producer Seth) and have a ton of giveaways for those who ask questions. This week’s questions include: Katie having a blog, revealing problems in your past in the hiring process, resource recommendations, having favorites, questionable things on Facebook, and dealing with requests for scholarships to camp or events.

8 comments

1
DustyTuesday, May 22, 2012 2:13 PM
In regard to the youth worker who had been arresed and is now seeking employment as a youth pastor, Katie's insight was dead on. Time heals all wounds. Though you may feel completely restored, forgiven and empowered by God, your leadership will take a hit for some time. Whe n we as leaders fail in a significant and or public way we lose credibility with those we are trying to lead. Forgiveness by God is immediat, but it will take some time for churches to trust you again. Some of that is basic human prejudice but most of the distrust is rooted in the fact that the churches are seeking to find a leader who has a track record of hosesty, integrity, purity, and trustworthiness. Having been arrested violates that trust. Two years is a long time for you because you have been living with the consequences and learning along the way, but for those on the outside 2 years is just not that long ago. All that said, I applaud you for being open and honsest with those you are interviewing with. It shows courage and integrity which lends itself to trustworthiness. Good luck, and dont give up.
2
DusttyTuesday, May 22, 2012 2:17 PM
I should really proofread before I submit my commnets. Sorry for all the typos.
3
amykayThursday, May 24, 2012 5:08 PM
the video is not working and i can't download it in itunes either... am i the only one having that problem?
4
Seth BartletteThursday, May 24, 2012 9:26 PM
Amy, while I could easily throw McGill under the bus (who confessed to not reading these comments in Ep 183)... I will take the blame :) Our servers at Remedy were down for a while today and caused this playback issue. They are back up now, though. Sorry for the inconvenience and I hope you enjoy this podcast.
5
Jerry VarnerSaturday, June 16, 2012 10:41 AM
In regards to the youth worker seeking a church, but has been arrested for stealing...Of course, redemption is a wonderful gift from God but the human aspect of that kind of thing being viewed as ancient history is going to be far more rare. I would encourage this person to be patient with those who he are interviewing him. Understand that as soon as that information is disclosed (and it needs to be), any potential employer is going to have a set of lenses that they'll see him in a certain light, no matter how true it is that God has forgiven him. But I believe there are churches that will see his heart, know his past, and trust the Lord to use him in a ministry position. I also really resonate with the "favorites" conversation. I'm a full-time Student Discipleship pastor, and I lead my own high school small group, and I also lead our Student Leadership team. Some might think that I favor the students in my small group and/or the student leadership team. To an extent, its very natural that I grow closer to those students due to the fact that I spend more time with them. However, its up to me to keep my heart open to all students, no matter where they are spiritually or how they respond to me. Beyond that, I can't get overly concerned about people's perceptions/opinions that I'm favoriting anyone. Jesus likely faced some of the same allegations about Peter, James, and "the beloved disciple". Thanks for another great show, and to Matt: no offense from you not reading my emails. I realize my posts and emails are often way too long. Case in point, you'll probably never read this far. Psyched to see you at SLC12 in PA!
6
Jerry VarnerSaturday, June 16, 2012 10:44 AM
In regards to the youth worker seeking a church, but has been arrested for stealing...Of course, redemption is a wonderful gift from God but the human aspect of that kind of thing being viewed as ancient history is going to be far more rare. I would encourage this person to be patient with those who he are interviewing him. Understand that as soon as that information is disclosed (and it needs to be), any potential employer is going to have a set of lenses that they'll see him in a certain light, no matter how true it is that God has forgiven him. But I believe there are churches that will see his heart, know his past, and trust the Lord to use him in a ministry position. I also really resonate with the "favorites" conversation. I'm a full-time Student Discipleship pastor, and I lead my own high school small group, and I also lead our Student Leadership team. Some might think that I favor the students in my small group and/or the student leadership team. To an extent, its very natural that I grow closer to those students due to the fact that I spend more time with them. However, its up to me to keep my heart open to all students, no matter where they are spiritually or how they respond to me. Beyond that, I can't get overly concerned about people's perceptions/opinions that I'm favoriting anyone. Jesus likely faced some of the same allegations about Peter, James, and "the beloved disciple". As a leader I have to be honest and keep checking myself and ask "Am I playing favorites?" Thanks for another great show, and to Matt: no offense from you not reading my emails. I realize my posts and emails are often way too long. Case in point, you'll probably never read this far. Psyched to see you at SLC12 in PA!
7
Jerry VarnerSaturday, June 16, 2012 10:48 AM
In regards to the youth worker seeking a church, but has been arrested for stealing...Of course, redemption is a wonderful gift from God but the human aspect of that kind of thing being viewed as ancient history is going to be far more rare. I would encourage this person to be patient with those who he are interviewing him. Understand that as soon as that information is disclosed (and it needs to be), any potential employer is going to have a set of lenses that they'll see him through, no matter how true it is that God has forgiven him. But I believe there are churches that will see his heart, know his past, and trust the Lord to use him in a ministry position. I also really resonate with the "favorites" conversation. I'm a full-time Student Discipleship pastor, and I lead my own high school small group, and I also lead our Student Leadership team. Some might think that I favor the students in my small group and/or the student leadership team. To an extent, its very natural that I grow closer to those students due to the fact that I spend more time with them. However, its up to me to keep my heart open to all students, no matter where they are spiritually or how they respond to me. Beyond that, I can't get overly concerned about people's perceptions/opinions that I'm favoriting anyone. Jesus likely faced some of the same allegations about Peter, James, and "the beloved disciple". As a leader I have to be honest and keep checking myself and ask "Am I playing favorites?" Thanks for another great show, and to Matt: no offense from you not reading my emails. I realize my posts and emails are often way too long. Case in point, you'll probably never read this far. Psyched to see you at SLC12 in PA!
8
Jerry VarnerSaturday, June 16, 2012 1:03 PM
Sorry 'bout that, but the site kept throwing up an error. Feel free to delete 2 of my above comments of mine...or all 3.