I was teaching at a youth ministry class at New Orleans seminary last week and mentioned the upcoming Girls' Ministry Forum. A guy asked a question that has been posed to me more than once: can a guy attend the girls' forum?
Not only can they come, but they need to come. Here's why:
- Statistically, girls comprise a majority of a youth ministry (and a church)—or they will in the future. And that is not likely to change.
- Girls' needs and struggles are different that what a guy faces. This conference will give guys the chance to peel the curtain back just a bit and get a glimpse into this generation of girls.
- Parents need to know that male ministers care about what's going on with their teen girls. The fact that guys are willing to attend a conference like this will increase their value in parents' eyes by ten-fold.
- Girls need to know that male ministers care. One way they can demonstrate that concern is by attending a conference that is just about them.
- Guy youth ministers (and pastors) are a resource for parents and volunteers. When parents or teachers are struggling with a girl's actions, they need to hear more than platitudes or a summary statements about how girls are a mystery. They need education, encouragement, and information, all of which can be garnered from this conference.
Yes, it is very true, that male youth ministers need to attend and continually fellowship with their sister peers.
As many issues arise with these young ladies that they are not fully aware of.
In the urban culture, 8 out of 10 youth ministers are male and constantly trying to minister in Christ's love but also concerned about girls developing crushes, misunderstood emotional and spiritual support...etc...etc..etc....
Getting a female support base within their congregation that has a passion for these girls and not in becoming the future wife of the single male youth pastor is a problem as well.
I hope more of our brothers will be able to find the support that they need in the call they have received from God to reach our youth as a whole, with the gospel of Jesus Christ