Leadership- My First 2 Years

Next week is Thanksgiving, and next week will be the 2-year anniversary of me deciding to become the Youth Leader at my local church, FHBC Morganton. I cannot believe that it has been two years that I have been serving as the Youth Leader at my church. Time as gone by so fast!

So, here is the background story of how I decided, I wanted to step-up and become the youth leader at my church. I heard my brother was stepping down as the youth leader and out of the youth, three of us we equipped to be a leader with leading worship; and our pastor really encouraged us to pray about becoming the youth leader. I prayed that the Lord will bless us with a new youth leader. I did not think much about it bring me, because I did not feel ready. Fast forward to Black Friday (technically on a Thursday Night) 2017 and I was walking through Best Buy and I heard something whisper to me that I should be the youth leader. I stayed quiet for about ten minutes having this conversation in my head about becoming the youth leader and right then and there, I decided to become the youth leader at my local church. Fast forward two years later and I am entering my second term as the Youth Leader at FHBC Morganton. Though, my first two years were not all unicorns and neon colors.

I'll be the first to tell you that the my first two years have been WILD! I think I went through every emotion there is in the book of emotions. During my first two years of being the youth leader, I gained a lot about being a leader, I've grown more spiritually and my walk with God has grown each day I was learning. There were some weeks where I wanted to throw it all away and give up and leave. During those moments of wanting to leave, I would just scream inside because of what my youth was doing or what this one person in the youth was doing or what other leaders were saying about me and/or my youth or some of the actions of these leaders. I was at a point where I wanted to leave and attend another church and start all over. Did I know what that would mean for my church? For the youth? Yes I did, it would mean that I would leave everyone there scrambling in shambles to find another youth leader and the youth would have no leader for a long time, while the leaders were looking for my replacement. I really wanted to leave, and not look back! At that point, I really did not think of anything else. It could have gone a million different ways.

During this time, I needed to think about if I wanted to stay or if I wanted to leave. I got to talk to someone and they reminded me of what happened when I decided to become the youth leader. I was called by God to lead the youth! I took that to heart and knew that this was just a test and that God was doing this to me to push me as I take this leadership position. I took this test by God and I used it to better myself. Better myself in how I lead the youth and how I needed to continuously grow in my walk with God. I started reading into leadership books and I asked questions. I looked around me and made mental notes. I changed my game!

With changing my game, I had to set my priorities straight. I believe that if I did not set my priorities straight, then I do not believe I would have been able to serve a second term as Youth Leader or would have finished out my first term. Setting my priorities in order cleared my blurred vision and I was able to see what was needed to be done. I slowly but surely was able to finish my first term.

Being the youth leader, has not and will never be a walk in the park. I was able to grow time after time and was able to put what I learned into my leadership and into my walk of faith. I've enjoyed my time being the youth leader at my local church and I know I will have a blast these next two years. I can not think of anything better than to serve God and help build the next generation of the church, so they have the resources that I did not have growing up and growing to become a leader. Now, here is a small letter to my youth!

Guys and Gals! I love each and everyone of you! I want everyone of us to continue to grow in each other and grow spiritually together. Now, if you read my blog this is probably all new information to you. Being your youth leader has not been all rainbows and butterflies, but I know I am at peace with Jesus being the leading example for you guys. Some of you are there and some of you are still looking, I want you to know that I am always there for you and you can talk to me about anything. I do not bite, I promise! As your leader, there are only limited things I can do when it comes to your faith and your walk with God. I can guarantee you this, that I will be only speaking the truth of the Word, give you encouragement of good deeds and and that I will be praying. Let us continue to grow and as we are all connected through Christ, this relationship will last a lifetime. Keep it up and I know you guys will be able to take my place one day. I do not know what the future holds in store for us, but I know for the next two years, we will be working our butts off to better ourselves and to be the best that we can, so that we can be able to teach and lead the younger-younger generation for when they are in the same place as you guys. Stay fresh and focused!

Lots of Love,

your youth leader

-Kaleb Ly, The King of Aces-