I am Austin Burke, born in Bellingham Washington, raised in Lynden, Washington. Just 2 hours North of Seattle! I am the Youth Pastor of the Third CRC in Lynden!
I love theatre! Photography, taking a walk to observe God's creation! I am a very simple guy! Greatly spontaneous!
Dear teenager, I see you. I see you torn between becoming what God designed you to be and pleasing culture. I see you trying to balance it all. As your youth pastor, here is my plea for you.
Evangelism is a hard thing. I've experienced that in youth ministry. We can't give up on sowing seeds if it's hot outside or we are sweating a lot! We can't give up because its hard or inconvenient.
In youth ministry, students don't always give you the instant gratification that you are making an impact. But fear not, God has shown me a prayer that has given me new eyes.
I have often woke up in the morning dreading the day. However, a few new habits have completely changed my whole outlook, leaving me full of joy and peace.
In the six months I have been doing my job I have come to realize one thing. One of the most important things I can do for my students is be available and intentional.
Sometimes I think that the nature of our jobs as youth leaders means we can't cry and that is FALSE!
This will be short sweet and to the point! If ever you guys need something to do on a random day, or the first week of every month (like I do) I recommend CRASH nights!
Sometimes in youth ministry we may miss a greater point. There are students who bail on youth group for sports, yes, but the great thing is: There are kids who still come! And that's exciting!
When those kids come to Youth Group we need to know them on a "first name" basis only. They need a chance to be themselves and create their own persona rooted in Christ.
I really LOVE what Arthur Abbott said! In my experience, I have taken students out to our local coffee shop and we just sit together. I also got to their school every week. Being present in their...