Healing the Healer

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Sacrifice	Confession
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Conclusion

Satan knows working through the pain of loss only will make you a stronger, more joyful person and a more effective youth worker. To combat this, Satan will attempt to use myths – and lies – to keep you isolated in your pain so your life and ministry become a constant discouragement. Be assured you are not alone in your pain. While your need for healing may rise out of a unique situation, know that every youth minister has had seasons of ministry in which healing was needed. Nouwen writes: "We do not know where we will be two, 10 or 20 years from now. What we can know, however, is that man suffers and that a sharing of suffering can make us move forward" (The Wounded Healer, 100).

Move forward in your suffering. Blessings to you as you confront the myths, take inventory of, and begin to access the safe places in your life. The journey most likely will not be an orderly walk through the steps of grief; it does not work that way. However, it does work. There is healing available to the healer. In the end, your ministry to teenagers will be even stronger and your relationship with the Lord deeper.

How To Tell Your Leaders You Need a Break
Depending on your situation, it may seem easier to work harder and ignore your need for a break than to face the uncertain response of a ministry supervisor. Even so, if you and your trusted safe place advisor(s) feel you need to take a break, take the break. So, how do you approach your supervisor and let him or her know you need a break? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Enlist the help of one of your safe selected leaders. (Refer to the list you created). Depending on your denominational affiliation, this person can help you determine with whom you need to communicate in order to put a plan of healing into action, as well as coach you in what to say or do to be sure your needs are met.

2. Be open about your need for healing. Your select leader can coach you on what and how much to communicate, but the idea is to let your leadership know you have a need for healing and it is affecting the way you are ministering to others.

3. Have a plan or ask for help in creating a plan. If you have created a plan, share that plan with your leadership. If no plan has been created, ask the leadership to assist you in formulating a plan for healing.

4. Ask for accountability and blessing in working the plan. Once a plan of action has been determined ask for accountability and blessing in working the plan. (Remember any plan for healing should be based on flexible journey markers, not timetables.)

A Special Note to Church Leaders (Senior Pastor Types)
It is difficult for anyone to ask for help in healing when expected to be the healer. Be sensitive to the person asking for assistance; honor and protect the changes that may occur in their “scheduled activities,” and be careful about how accountability is determined.

Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Lessons & Youth Group Games

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