When No One Shows Up

By Doug Franklin November 1, 2010

This past week I learned a pretty important lesson about working with students. This past week I did all the normal things I usually do in preparing for youth group: I met with the youth pastor, I prepared my small group study for youth group, and I even talked about youth group with others. But when I showed up to youth group this past week, none of the boys in my small group were there. I knew the responsibility fell on me. I realized that youth group night isn’t enough; I need to be present in their lives. I’m learning my lesson and the importance of a relationship with these boys outside of youth group. If I’m serious about wanting to build into students’ lives, I have to give more than just one night a week. I have to give my life.