Paving over potholes

If there is one thing I've learned in my years in ministry it's that you can't keyhole students into one big category. Even though they may look alike at times they have unique personalities and it can be tough ensuring that you connect with them on an individual level.

But there is one phenomenon that has struck me as I have observed students over the years and it has to do with a gap that often occurs during the high school years. Coming out of grade school the kids are usually pretty pumped up about spiritual things because they've been in Bible drills and childrens' activities. Then comes jr. high school and hormones become a factor as do cliques and popularity. Finally high school arrives and the students are faced with a decision: Who will they follow?

There seems to be a gap in spirituality that occurs with many students in their high school years. While I have witnessed many students catch fire spiritually between ninth and twelfth grade I have seen far more fall away into apathy. It is then another interesting thing happens. College. Many of those students who seem to be so indifferent during their high school years suddenly seem spiritually alive when they plug themselves into an environment on campus where it's seemingly okay (and even cool) to love Jesus again.

I know a lot of this appears like a gross example of exaggeration (and admittedly some of it is) but there does seem to be a tide of spiritual complacency that hits many during the high school years. As a youth pastor this is obviously something that bothers me yet often I lack the knowledge of what to do. So I do the only thing I can - I love the students and never back down from teaching them the truth of God's word.

I believe that once you have been taught from a spiritual foundation, those lessons never leave you. This doesn't mean one will never fall away - it happens all too often - but it is also true that those students who seem so indifferent in high school also seem to wake up to the what they've always known while they are in college. That makes me grateful for the obvious and glorious display of the grace of God.