Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle?

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Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle?

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Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 10/31/2009 11:18:38 AM

jfaleye

Posts: 57
Joined: 10/12/2005
From: Houston
Status: offline

I guess I'm venting, but I cannot stand when church leaders or lay people - in general - view the position of junior high pastor as somehow beneath that of senior high pastor. Just because i deal with younger teens doesn't mean my work is less significant to God than the senior high guy.

At our church, our senior high pastor left five months ago, and since then the responsibility of managing both the junior high and senior high departments has fallen on my shoulders. Some people approached me wanting to know whether I planned to apply for the vacancy. I told them that I didn't intend to do so because I feel my calling is to reach junior highers. One individual had the nerve to say, "If I were you, I'd put my name in the hat. It'll be a promotion for you, i think." I was hot, because I didn't realize that ppl viewed senior high as a step up from junior high.

God has blessed our ministry to junior high students. I wish ppl would stop assuming that someone occupying a junior high post is subordinate to someone in a senior high post. What are your experiences with this, and/or thoughts?

Post #: 1

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/2/2009 12:22:07 PM

kurtjohnston

Posts: 268
Joined: 1/28/2005
Status: offline

I hear ya! Historically, High School ministry has been viewed as a stepping stone to "real" ministry, and JH ministry as a stepping stone to HS ministry. I actually think this is beginning to change a little bit as more and more JH pastors are staying involved for the long haul. I think that the reality is that many uninformed and well meaning people will always assume that JH pastors are just biding their time until something better comes along. Part of our responsibility is to lead and minister in such a way that helps lend credibility to the calling of JH ministry. One of the best ways to do so is through longevity in the field and at the same church.

Hang in there!

(in reply to jfaleye)

Post #: 2

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/3/2009 3:04:26 AM

jfaleye

Posts: 57
Joined: 10/12/2005
From: Houston
Status: offline

Thanks for the advice, Kurt! You're right about longevity. We've been blessed to be at this position for nearly 11 years, at the same church. Again, thanks for the uplift.

(in reply to kurtjohnston)

Post #: 3

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/3/2009 10:08:05 AM

soonercc

Posts: 342
Joined: 3/18/2005
From: Amarillo, TX
Status: offline

18 years in student ministry, and the last 6 in middle school specifically...and I think there's no higher calling! keep on the front lines jfalaye!

_____________________________

In His Grip
Chris Condit
Hillside CC
Student Ministries

(in reply to jfaleye)

Post #: 4

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/3/2009 6:33:28 PM

markeades

Posts: 140
Joined: 11/21/2005
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Status: offline

Been doing middle school minsitry for over 7 yrs and can't seem myself doing anything else (of course if God wants to move me that is his call). Keep going - as kurt & soonercc said - longevity is key to this.

(in reply to soonercc)

Post #: 5

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/6/2009 3:59:17 PM

Doug

Posts: 98
Joined: 9/8/2006
Status: offline

John,

If God has called you to Junior High Ministry, then there is no better place for you. I am not a full-time paid minister, but I have been "doing" Junior High Ministry for 24 years. Every time I think I should get out of it, I am absolutely miserable until I get back to the work.

I understand that people may have a misperception that High School Ministry is a step up, after all it is the natural progression for kids. Maybe you could take it as an opportunity to educate people when they make this assumption. Let them know that this is God's calling on your life.

Thanks for being a fellow minister to Junior Highers; they really need you!

Doug

< Message edited by Doug -- 11/6/2009 4:00:12 PM >

(in reply to markeades)

Post #: 6

RE: Are Junior High Pastors Really Second Fiddle? - 11/9/2009 4:50:59 AM

jfaleye

Posts: 57
Joined: 10/12/2005
From: Houston
Status: offline

Thanks a million, Doug!!!

(in reply to Doug)

Post #: 7