Well I’m finally signed up for Stronger Together! I started the application about 5 times and each time was stumped by the questions of what should every youth library contain? And why should it have it? What music influenced you this year? What is the story? I thought I had to come up with a brilliant answer. I had none.
I wasn’t able to have an answer that was going to impress anyone so I was honest. I wrote on the application, “I have no clue.” I don’t read books on youth ministry. I tired and it didn’t happen. I read blogs and I find that I learn through others practical experiences and suggestions. I couldn’t have even faked an answer for the library question. There are no cheat notes for such things! So much for the impressive answer.
Secondly, I had to answer the music question. Who have I listened to this year? Into my mind jumped Eminem. I didn’t know if the question was looking for Christian music, youth group appropriate music or simply music we listen to every day. I went with the latter. As I drive my son to hockey games 2 hours away or ask what my youth are listening to on their IPods I hear Eminem, Bob Marley, AC/DC, Maroon 5 and Skrillex.
None of them topping the Christian music charts but all music that influences, tells a story and opens a ton of discussion. The artists are stories in themselves. Their life choices, their histories and journeys all play a role in opening up the doors to deeper conversation about life and choices. The message in their music and in their personal journeys affects and influences youth and allows me as a leader to have great discussions with them.
So take me as I am Stronger Together! Take me, my weird answers and teach me some things. I can’t wait to meet everyone and learn. I might even find an answer to question 1 so I know what to put in my Youth Leader library!
