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DEDICATION
Looking back its clear to me how God has shaped my
life from a hurting childhood into one where I am called
to help hurting teens and their families. Thanks to my
family for raising me up as a child in the way I ought
to go; to the many pastors who demonstrated pastoral
caregiving in my life, especially Pastor Jim and Pastor
Adams; to Pastor Dan who recognized a higher calling
in my life and gave me direction enabling me to become
an excellent youth pastor and to Galilee Baptist Church,
the first church who put their faith in me by hiring me.
Finally, to my wife, who compliments every one of my
imperfections and encourages me every day of my life.
Matt
CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................ i
INTRODUCTION
It happened again last night. While unwinding after a
busy day, the phone rang. I (Brad) really didnt have the
time or energy to answer, but I did. Good thing. One of
my students was experiencing a crisis. At that moment, I
really did not feel prepared or ready to engage. What did I
have to give him? Over the next 20 minutes, though, I was
privileged to step into this students life in a redemptive
way. After praying, I hung up, knowing that God had
allowed me to be part of something sacred. God worked
through me to bring the caring, healing, ministering touch
of the Holy Spirit.
Youve been there, too. We dont have to work with
teenagers for very long before were thrust into the role
of caring for their deep needs. Its not a matter of ifits
when well be called upon to engage. Sometimes this
takes place informally in the local coffee shop; other
times it could be in a hospital or at the scene of a major
crisis. Sometimes its routine, ongoing involvement and
care; sometimes we must offer care in an emergency.
And like us, youve probably questioned your preparation
and adequacy to be the kind of caregiver your students
need. We still feel this way, even after a combined 45
years of training and youth ministry experience. Our
ii
SECTION ONE
CREATED
TO CARE
WHO YOU ARE
AS A CAREGIVER
3 Essential
Cornerstones
Depend on prayer
ISBN 978-0-7644-7611-2
9 780764 476112
Religion/Christian Ministry/Youth