The Rebel Youth Pastor is Out of Style
Dec 14 2009 Author: Doug Franklin Filed under: Uncategorized
There was a time when students wanted to hear from the guy with the tattoo. They loved to hear about the drugs and the mistakes and the unbelievable turnaround in life. Whether this was marked by a tattoo or a piercing, somehow this style became cool. As a youth worker, maybe you started feeling like you had nothing to say if you didn’t have a larger than life story or a skin marking to symbolize that story. Perhaps you even looked for ways of dressing up your own story to be a little rougher around the edges. It’s different now; the rebel youth leader is out of style. Maybe too many youth guys followed in the footprints of the rebels. In reality students want what they always wanted: authenticity. They want to follow someone who is real, venerable and honest. You are enough. Just give your students the authentic leader they crave and you’ll see a lasting impact occur.
7 Responses to “The Rebel Youth Pastor is Out of Style”
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My name is Doug Franklin and I serve youth workers through a ministry called LeaderTreks. I love youth ministry and the people who serve in it. I work with an incredible team creating tools and resources enabling youth workers to develop students into leaders. I want to influence youth workers to challenge students and prepare them for leadership in the kingdom of God.
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Brit Windel
December 14th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Well darn, back to the drawing board for my style!
Great reminder to be real and who God has called you to be not for them but for His calling and journey in your life. As leader in the world of youth culture its that realness that will attract them to the Christ, not your progression of Jesus’s life tatted on your body! thanks for the reminder Doug
Dan Morehead
December 14th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
For those with tattoo’s and piercings, you are enough. Authenticity is valuable regardless of appearance. It’s those who tried to be something they weren’t, those who chased a trend instead of Jesus who were/are/will be by definition ineffective in their ministry.
James
December 15th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Sounds good. Thanks.
Terri
December 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Finally! I thought I was out of style and boring for many years. Now I can appreciate me. Thanks
Matthew
December 16th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
What is it exactly that is out of style? Is it the tattoos and piercings or are you saying its the effectiveness of the testimony of one who may have progressed through that lifestyle? Please clarify because this is dangerous territory.
Doug Franklin
December 16th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Good comment – what is out of style? Looks over heart. You can look away you want but its your heart that matters.
Jason Huffman
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I agree with Matthew as well, but I will say this. I think one reason the “rebel” youth pastor with the hard story of a life away from God has been perceived to be so popular is that the signs of their journey (long hair, tatts, piercings, etc.) were perceived to be symbols of their journey and thus symbols of their authenticity. I’m a pretty boring guy when it comes to fashion, but my students know my successes and failures and where I’ve been. I wouldn’t say most of these guys strove to be rebels before their kids, but maybe they were striving to be real and that’s how it came out?