October is Pastor Appreciation month and student pastors deserve our encouragement and appreciation. The majority of student pastors around the country are bi-vocational and are juggling two jobs, their family responsibilities, AND are serving your family.
Read: 4 Encouragements For Bi-Vocational Youth Pastors
While they deserve our unending appreciation for their service to our churches and families, student pastors and youth workers hear criticisms from time-to-time. I know that it is hard to believe that people in our culture would be openly critical of others!
Below are 7 things you should never say to a student pastor.
And by the off chance that you forget that these statements are inappropriate I have included some comeback responses for student pastors to respond with.
7 Things You Should Never Say To A Youth Pastor
It is your responsibility to keep my kids inline.
Sounds good to me! The average babysitter charges $25 an hour. I’ll send you an invoice for last month.
When are you going to become a real pastor?
Wait, I’m not a real pastor? Does that mean that my student debt is fake too?
I bet you just woke up! (Said before the second service.)
I bet you never learned funny jokes!
You are young; can you help me with my iPhone?
Why yes I can! Here is the number for the local Apple Store! The mall opens at 9:00am sharp!
You are great at spending other people’s money.
Your husband said the same thing about your spending habits last week.
How did you enjoy your vacation? (Said after a summer camp.)
It was great! I only caught your grandson sneaking off with two different girls this year instead of the three from last year!
Don’t get too good at your calling, someone else will steal you from us!
Glad you mentioned this. I have a celebrity death-match scheduled in January between our congregation and the churches that are trying to steal me. You have an opportunity to fight for me with your weapon of choice.
Now What?
Working with students and families is an extremely rewarding calling. Student pastors think about your family’s needs, they pray for your children, and give their own time and money to ensure that students hear the Gospel of Jesus.
Make sure to thank the student pastor at your church!
