EVERETT — In youth ministry, youth leaders are the unsung heroes. Unpaid, performing grunt labor and often dealing with problem kids or problem parents.
Yet for these ‘Wednesday Warriors,’ it’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.
For Erick and Jamie Johns, it’s a calling.
The Johnses have been serving in various area youth ministries for nearly 10 years, in both Lake Stevens and Everett. Their tasks as youth leaders have ranged from leading worship to breaking up fights, from preaching to hundreds to praying with one.
These seasoned youth leaders were able to sit down and answer a few questions about their time in ministry, where youth leadership is going and what makes it all worthwhile.
Why are you involved in youth ministry?
Erick: When I first started, it was by chance. Someone asked me to help because there was literally no one else. That was six years ago and since then, I haven’t looked back.
Jamie: I got into youth leadership right after graduating.
How is youth leadership and youth ministry evolving?
Jamie: I see youth leadership becoming more of a relational experience, more hands on. It’s discipleship. You are not just there for them, but walking with them through the hard times.
What is a particular challenge you have faced in youth ministry?
Erick: There was a teenage boy who came to church and really acted out. He would start fights, curse loudly during service and get pretty disruptive. Now he leads worship instead of interrupting it. He’s on the leadership team, a youth leader just like us and dealing with the same kind of kids he used to be.
With two kids at home, what makes you want to go and spend time with someone else’s kids at church?
Jamie: Our kids, Michael and Mackenzie, have a home where they are loved. But a lot of kids we meet today are not (in the same situation). Their homes and their hearts are broken. If I can give them some encouragement and just love on them and you see them begin to shine, then that makes it all worthwhile.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
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