April is National Volunteer Month. In student ministry, we cannot serve students effectively without amazing volunteers. We are so blessed to have these leaders to take time out of their lives to pour into students.
Most youth leader volunteers go above and beyond the call as volunteer leaders. The church we attend has a number of these leaders, but I want to highlight a couple who have unselfishly and passionately served at Parkside Christian Church in Cincinnati for a number of years. Their names are Steve and Sarah Adkerson.
In their volunteer journey, Steve and Sarah have served four different youth ministers at our church. Steve has served in student ministry for over 30 years. They are still running around playing nine square in the air, dodgeball, or any other youth ministry game with the students; all the while representing Jesus to them.
They always come with a smile and try to encourage every single student who attends a gathering. At the same time, they focus on individual students who may feel isolated and need to be lifted up. They love to be with the students whom other leaders may think are more challenging.
Sarah has passion for the young ladies who are in our youth group. She leads a small group at their house; they can't wait to come and bring their friends. These girls feel this is a safe place to share what's going on in their lives and know that they will be loved and encouraged.
Steve loves to work with the young men, creating and building things with them. At the same time, he encourages them and shares that God has something amazing in store for them.
Steve and Sarah have gone on a number of retreats, youth conferences, and backpacking trips, using their vacation time to do this. It's because they love to be a part of the students' lives.
Steve and Sarah have a heart and passion for Jesus and want to be used to serve students. They have a desire to see these teens come to know the living God and grow deeper in Him. With volunteers like Adkersons, we have seen students grow in their identity and confidence in Christ.
As youth leaders, you probably have Steves and Sarahs in volunteer leadership. I encourage you this month to do something for them; not only because it's National Volunteer Month, but to thank them for being a blessing to your ministry.
Call them, write them a note, invite them for dinner, or just do something creative. It doesn't have to cost a lot. It just needs to come from your heart. We need to thank God for putting these leaders in our ministry and lives because we are better together in reaching students. We have an amazing team. Let's thank them!