Celebration by Rob Bergman
I was in third grade sitting at my desk doing my school work. I had this sense someone was watching me over my shoulder, and sure enough my teacher reached down and picked my paper up off my desk. A little nervous, I wasn’t sure what she was going to do. To my delight, she then proceeded to point out to my entire class how well I had written my name at the top of my page. It was neatly written, in the right place, and the right size.
I recognize just how arbitrary that story is. I used to wonder why I even remember that strangely specific detail of my life from over 20 years ago. And then the light bulbs turned on in my head. I remember this story because it was a time when I was encouraged and celebrated in a bold and meaningful way. I was plugging away at my seemingly insignificant work when all of the sudden someone made it significant…and pointed it out to everyone around me!
I don’t think we celebrate people enough. I’m not talking about blindly giving everyone a blue ribbon for participation just to assure their self-esteem stays intact. I’m talking about meaningful, intentional, thoughtful celebration and encouragement.
Youth ministry can be a thankless job (turns out 13 year old boys don’t think to tell you thanks for making sure the busses showed up on time when we left for camp). That’s why, as leaders, we need to create a culture of encouragement and celebration. How? Here are a few thoughts:
- Model it. When was the last time you encouraged or celebrated someone? If you aren’t being encouraged it’s probably because you aren’t encouraging others. Write a note, take someone out to coffee, put your arm around them and whisper words in their ear, take time out of your next volunteer meeting to gush over someone. I can guarantee people will take your lead.
- Be present. Do you know what is going on in the lives of your staff and volunteers? When you make the phone calls, send the emails, and have the lunches you are given an unlimited supply of opportunity to celebrate and encourage.
- Check your ego. Many times the greatest reason for withholding encouragement is pride and arrogance. If you don’t fully recognize how valuable the people are around you, chances are you probably won’t encourage and celebrate them.
- Do it everywhere. Often times we encourage our staff or volunteers. But how often do we encourage our students? No seriously, when was the last time you (as the leader) stood in front of your students and showered them with praise? Or even more subtly, do you tell your students that you love them? One of our youth pastors, Ben, tells our students that he loves them at the end of every single one of his messages. I notice and I bet they do too.
As you start creating a culture of celebration make sure you step back and notice. Encouragement and celebration will by flying around everywhere. And many times, unless you are paying close attention, you won’t even notice. When a 7th grade girl comes up and gives you a high five with a huge smile on her face, she’s actually saying thank you.
Rob Bergman
