> So it would seem. I've volunteered to head up the youth group at my church- something both I and my pastor are very excited about, and yet, I'm also pretty nervous.
>
> I've never been a teacher before. I'm not sure I'd know how to handle a room full of teenagers. The most I've dealt with is a tent full of ten-year-olds at summer camp. :-} Of course, we're not likely to have "a room full" of kids for at least a year or so, so I'll have some time to practice with a smaller group...
>
> But still... A teacher? Me? And not just a teacher, but a spiritual leader to boot. What have I gotten myself into?
>
> ~Mina "needs some advice" moon

The best advice I can give you is to love them. Love them, love them, love them. "Love one another as I have loved you". You don't have to know all the answers, you don't have to be an expert on Greek tenses or the Mosaic law (believe me, there's kids who've been going there since they were bed babies and will be *glad* to fill you in on all that ;-)) --but if you bring a genuine love and show interest in them, it can make all the difference in both their lives and yours. At my church's teachers' meeting last month, we were all talking about people who had influenced us spiritually, and in every case it was an adult who took the time to connect with us in Christ's love in a genuine way.

And pray. Pray, pray, pray. "Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7. Don't think of it as being nervous, think of it as being excited about the opportunity you have been given :-) If God has called you to do this, be confident that He will give you the way to do it. Set a time to pray and talk to Him about it every week, for the group, for the students as individuals, and for yourself. (I pray for my second graders Monday morning when I'm driving to work, for instance.) Let your group know you're praying for them. Ask them to pray for you.

Realize there will be ups and downs.

Find a mentor/mentors. I sat at the feet of two seasoned teachers for several weeks before I began teaching 12 years ago, and it was time well spent. Do not hesitate to ask for help from the pastor, church staff, parents, as well as the other teachers. You can email me, too, I'll help however I can.

Last bit of advice: Be sure you are being fed spiritually yourself too--i.e., don't neglect your own growth and study.

I know you haven't been a Christian very long, Mina, so I am especially proud of you for stepping up to the plate to make a difference for these kids. Way to go!


koala"high five"mom