What Makes Me So Special?

So who am I to take on the task of creating a blog for youth ministry volunteers? That’s just it… I’m an ordinary youth ministry volunteer who has worked with hundreds of students (a few at a time) since 1994. I’m as old as some of their parents, but somehow they don’t mind having me as their leader.

By creating this blog, I hope to pass on some great stories and the wisdom I’ve gained from them. Some are funny, some are painful, some are both.

This blog is my story about my specific journey. Some of it will inspire you, some of it won’t apply to you at all. I’m not out to tell you how to do youth ministry, I’m just out to share what I have with those who want to check it out. Because this blog is the story of my journey, there are some aspects of it that will clash with your theology or philosophy of ministry. Maybe that disagreement will help you think through and own what you do believe a little stronger.

In this blog, I’ll tell of how I’ve dealt with disagreements with youth ministry decision makers and those I’ve overseen. Hopefully that will give you some ideas about how to deal with your own frustrations.

So… who am I?

My name is Dennis Beckner. I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene College in 1994 with a Bachelors in Religion with an emphasis in Bible. From there I moved to Seattle, Washington with a college buddy. I volunteered with a thriving youth ministry north of town.

After Seattle, I served as a youth pastors in two small churches. The first was in Roseburg, Oregon. The second was in Dinuba, California. I was fired from both. The first one I actually got fired from twice. For those who have ever felt beat up by their church, you’ll relate to some of my learnings.

Knowing my calling was from God and that young lives were being changed through my ministry, I continued on. Never one to give up, I decided to take a break and visit some large churches to see what made them so successful.

My first (and last) stop was at a church I had heard of, but did not know anything about. I didn’t even know the name of it. I just knew it was in South Orange County, California. That church was Saddleback Church. I went, liked what I saw, got involved and never left. I actually spent 6 years on staff while also serving as a volunteer youth worker.

Right now I’m a full time notary public to earn money, but a volunteer youth worker to fulfill God’s calling on my life. December 2008 marks my 10th year at Saddleback. January 2009 will mark my 10th year as a Student Ministries volunteer youth worker.

That’s the short version of who I am as it relates to youth ministry. I don’t want to make this entry too long. You’ll get to know more about me in the natural course of my blog. Since ministry is relational, my story will naturally unfold in the days to come.

Thanks for your faithful work in youth ministry. I hope you’ll comment on my posts to let me know how you agree, disagree or feel about what you read. I’m not afraid or offended by respectful opposing viewpoints. It’s how good ideas and methods become great and refined.

Your co-worker in Christ,

Dennis

My First Post on WordPress

Ohhhh… there will be more to come!