How Can I Genuinely Care For Young People When I Feel Distant?
Q: I am a young youth leader in my church. How do I love the kids that I serve, even if I feel distant from them?
A: First of all, pray for them. I hope that you have a list of names of all the kids in your group, and you earnestly pray for them one by one. Praying for people and asking God to increase and multiply your love for them is a legitimate and marvelous way to increase your love for them. So, pray for them. Pray for them by name. Ask God to deepen your love for each one of them, one by one.
Secondly, spend time with them. I know that you’re leading youth services for them, and that’s great. But as it is appropriate, meet with them. If you’re a male leader, it may not be appropriate for you to meet one on one with some of the some of the gals in the group, but maybe you and another leader could do that together. Get to know them, their home situation, their school situation, their life situation, their present situation, their hopes and dreams for the future. As you get to know them and as you pray for them, you’re going to see your love for them increase
Thirdly, ask God to give you a true shepherd’s heart for them. I think that’s important. I believe God will answer that prayer.