I am starting to find out the hard way what it is like to be single and in the ministry. There was a volunteer that I brought on thinking she would be great and her motives were right for joining the team. Man was I wrong. Believe it or not, some people might want to join your ministry to be closer to you. I know, I couldn't believe it either. At first I didn't even know how big of a problem it would be, but its amazing the accusations that people will come up with on the simple fact that they see you hanging out with someone from the opposite sex. Rumors were spread, integrity is questioned, and people get hurt.
Are single people in ministry allowed to have a life? Are we allowed to date, or even hangout as friends? I would think the simple answer would be yes but I am realizing that it comes with a price. If you are a youth pastor out there and are not married, I want you to know that some people are actually interested in watching your every move. Who knows what there reasons are? Writing all of this leads to a lot more questions than answers but it is something that I think a lot of youth pastors go through.
4 comments:
You could always mail-order a bride...that would take all of the speculation out!
This is true my friend. I believe that this is part of the "leaders being held to a higher standard" thing. I wish that it weren't reality, but unfortunately it's something that we're going to have to work around. I have experienced the same thing. I love you.
This story is amazing. It's absolutely amazing that a female would join your team in hopes of getting closer to you!
yea... this is soooo true! i'm a single youth pastor as well. and church people are either always trying to hook you up with the newest single guy to come through. you could be asking a male for the time... and all of a sudden rumors run that you're dating... then a week later rumors run that you're married. its a cycle. its true. and its about keeping the integrity in check and making sure you're an example to the youth you work with. :) thanks for sharing your blog...
blessings to you and your ministry,
sylvia :)
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