Q. My youth pastor left and we have a new one. I've prayed about the leadership change, but I don't feel good about the changes at all. Is it all right that I feel pessimistic about the change? What can I do?

A. It's OK to feel this way. What matters is what you do with those feelings. First of all, don't leave the group. Believe me, God is not finished with your youth group's growth. He wants to use these changes for good, not bad. (Take a look at Jeremiah 29:11.)

Secondly, I hope you will use this period of change as a time to look for ways to grow in your own faith. Sometimes when there is change, we have to depend more on God. You can also help the new youth leader and watch as God uses this service to develop your faith. You can be a role model for younger members of the group.

God can use this time for his plan. But it depends on your reaction. You can choose pessimism or you can choose to make the best of it all. I encourage you to choose to make a positive difference.

Jim is an author, longtime youth worker and founder of HomeWord, a group seeking to honor God through strong families.

Read more from 'Good Advice'

				Try an Issue of Ignite Your Faith Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Ignite Your Faith coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive eight more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Ignite Your Faith as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletters Subscribe to the Ignite Your Faith Connection Newsletter: Subscribe to the Christian College Guide Newsletter:    RSS Feed   RSS Help