My journey thus far with Teen Challenge has been an amazing one. When I started in 1984, I would never have imagined that I would still be here almost 29 years later. I began ministry at TC at the age of 21 and, the first student that was assigned to me to teach in the training phase was 41 years old. A snotty nosed kid right out of Bible College, I was confident that I could help him. He was a great guy with a great attitude and tolerated my inexperience with grace. God knew what I could handle. Looking back I see things I would have done differently but, at the same time I can see how God worked through me, growing and maturing me – not that I have arrived!

I have said many times that I grew more in one year as a Teen Challenge staff member than I did in four years as a Bible College student. When I was pointing my index finger at students problems (metaphorically speaking), I had three fingers pointing back at myself. I would feel convicted as I talked to a student about what Christian growth and maturity involved; realizing that I too needed to grow in the same areas. I tried to be authentic by letting the students know that I needed to grow as well.

In one of my recent newsletter articles – Blessed with a Burden – I discussed my initial shock and subsequent adjustment as a new staff member in dealing with the heartache of seeing a student I had poured my heart into leave or be dismissed. I wish that was the only adjustment or challenge I had to face but unfortunately there were many more: disrespect, ungrateful students, disgruntled parents, lies and manipulation, etc. Over the next several e-newsletters I want to address some of these issues. These are moments I faced and moments you will face as a staff member, if you have not already.

I would like to consider and see these moments as Moments that Matter. I believe that these moments are moments of opportunity that we must be prepared to seize. It is these moment that the opportunity for modeling and mentoring is crucial. At these crucial moments students are vulnerable, because they are hurting or confused. They may be searching for hope, searching for an answer. These are often points of brokenness when a student is ready for help; they are opportunity for transformation. These are moments we should be trained and ready for, at our best; not reacting with negative displays of emotion and character. They are Moments that Matter.

Through each moment, through each challenge there lies the opportunity for us to grow and mature and become more Christ like, to become a better, more competent staff member, trained and equipped for the moment. Experience does not automatically equate to greater levels of character and wisdom.   The outcome lies in how we choose to see and learn from the challenges. For those staff members who are emotionally immature and insecure or for those who are prideful, it is often difficult for them to say. “I was wrong,” or “I need help with this area of my leadership; I need input from more experienced staff members.” May God strip us of pride and insecurity so that we may not only mature for our benefit but for the benefit of our students and for all the other relationships in our lives.

God give us an open heart and mind to be the best, most effective staff we can be. Help us to step out of our preconceived remedies and easy answers and to learn from others for the sake of your kingdom, for the sake of those students who cross our path. May we be effective in Moments that Matter.

I know for a fact I do not have all the answers, but by merely bringing them to light I hope you can be encouraged that you are not alone and that you are not going crazy. Hopefully by writing about these struggles I can help in some small way. I want you to be sure to log onto connections.teenchallengeusa.com and share any additional ideas for how you have dealt with these particular moments.

Think about it

• What were the shocking situations and challenges you faced once you became staff?
• What helped you to deal with those challenges?
• Please email me the answers to these two questions. I may use your input in an upcoming e-newsletter to minister to and help other TC staff members.