Recently my wife and I watched a marvelous movie, McFarland, starring Kevin Costner.  This film, existentially about a washed-up teacher and coach who has made mistakes and is forced to move to a largely Hispanic town, is at once honest and hopeful.  After the coach decides to start a cross-country team, he learns that he must first understand the culture of the kids under his charge. Over time, he and the boys on the team become a family—they grow to understand each other and care for one another.

McFarland has many teaching moments in it.  It is a film about differences and community, about sacrifice and honor.  It is a film about commitment and perseverance as well as love.

Youth ministry, at its best, is also about these things.  Teenagers who are learning these values, and who might benefit from a mentor who can guide them, are primed for greatness in so many ways.  It is a joy and a privilege to be in youth ministry where our work can influence and impact formative lives.

As you consider your youth group this week, what do you see your group becoming?  Where are you growing?  Where are you learning together?

As a youth leader you may not think of yourself as a coach, but you can certainly be an inspiration to young lives.  Don’t doubt what you can become in the process of leading and sharing your life with others.