Photo by pato garza

It is undeniable to say that youth pastors have high turnover rates. This is no exception of youth pastors in the Korean church; when culture, language, and subtexts get in the way, it is difficult for 2nd generation (and beyond) pastors to be committed long-term. During the 5 years leading up to my start as the youth pastor, there were 3 different youth pastors, along with a list of pulpit supply speakers, at my church.

Coming into a position that has been short-lived by my predecessors, I knew that I wanted to be different, to not be a “typical” pastor who lasts less than 18 months. I began Youth Ministry with a commitment to serve faithfully and diligently for a minimum of 3 years, exceeding the statistic and those who came before me . This goal wasn’t a means to “be better” than other pastors; this goal came out of the needs and desperation of those whom I would be serving — young students who needed someone they could rely on.

Stability Isn’t a Revolving Door

The world is ever-changing, and at a far faster pace than before. Everything is fast and quick to change, including leaders, pastors, and ministries. This was the reality for the youth students at my church, as they saw pastors come and go as if through a revolving door. The students became weary of trying to build relationships with leaders because it would be a waste of time, because those they began to open up to and trust would soon be gone.

When everything is changing so quickly, who or what would these students be able to rely on? Who or what would be constant in their lives? My hope is that my students, and other young Christians alike, will be able to boldly say that Jesus is constant. But when the church and their Christian examples are quick to fade, it becomes harder for them to see Christ as a fixture in their lives. My commitment to be constant is in hopes that my students will no longer see pastors as people who come and go from their lives. In a world that is ever-changing, I want to be one aspect of their lives that stays remotely constant.

Ministry of Presence

My ministry is one of presence, even outside of the church walls. I want my students to be able to see me as someone who will be there for them, not just in church-related matters, but in various aspects of their lives. I make it a point to cheer on students in their extracurricular activities such as tennis, basketball, and dance; I attend and celebrate my students’ milestones such as graduations and performances. Why? So my students will know that I am there for them, that I want to do life with them. I don’t just want to be the pastor who preaches at them; I want to be a servant that is willing to live life with them, just as Jesus lived life with His disciples.

Plenty of weeks go by where my students will completely forget the sermon I preached; I don’t expect them to remember every point I’ve made or every cheesy joke I’ve cracked. But what I hope will remain is how I love and care for them. What I hope will remain is faithfulness and commitment.

Diana Kim is a youth pastor of a local Korean church in Torrance, CA. She received her MDIV from Fuller Theological Seminary and is continuing with her studies as she pursues a PhD in Christian Ethics. Diana is an avid dancer and dessert connoisseur.