Man I love my job. Seriously, it's got to be just about the best job in the world. I get to minister to teenagers and help to shape generations and point them toward God's plan for their own lives as well as the lives of others. Really, what could be better than getting to do something you love?
Something else that I really enjoy is the NFL. I know, I know, how in the world is that even almost related to my job as a youth minister? Well that's the thing, it's not. But because of the fact that I like the NFL as much as I do, I keep up with the things that go on with it. It's fun to know what is going on. But this got me thinking about the differences between being in ministry and being in the NFL. So here is a list of differences between the two careers.
Top 10 Differences in Youth Ministry and the NFL
10) 40 Times- In the NFL there is a lot that is based on how fast a person can run a 40 yard dash. There are guys that have earned loads of cash because they could run that far in less than 4.5 seconds. Really seems like a crazy thing to base employment on. Imagine if a church made it's youth ministry candidates run 40s and used that to help determine who they hired. Maybe instead of an actual 40 they could take times on how fast they can get down the center aisle of the sanctuary.
9) No Agents to deal with- In the NFL guys have agents that come in and represent them to make sure they get the best possible contract deal. Sounds great, but that can lead to tension between the team and the player and result in guys holding out for a better pay package. Imagine if youth ministers had agents or threatened to hold out...imagine if youth ministers had actual contracts....
8) Training Camp- In the NFL guys have to go through two-a-days in the heat of the late summer to train and practice and get prepped for the new season. Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad idea at times for youth ministry. Actually we call it The National Youth Workers Convention.
7) Different Career Ending Injuries- NFL players are always one bad hit or one bad cut away from ending their careers. They have to deal with things like concussions, torn muscles, torn ligaments and torn tendons. Any of these could potentially end the career of a player. In youth ministry our career enders look a little different: lock-ins, road trips, mission trips, Youth Sundays and parents. The names may be different, but the results can be the same.
6) Scouting Combine- This is where all those college hopefuls gather to audition for the scouts, coaches and general managers of various teams. This can make or break where you are selected. In youth ministry we call this the interview process. You meet with the hiring committee, then (in some churches) "audition" with the youth group to see how you "fit". Not really an exact science in either profession.
5) Free Agency- In the NFL when your contract runs out and you aren't resigned by your team, you can become a free agent and have a chance at landing with another team. Many free agents are highly sought after and there are battles between teams to sign them. In youth ministry, well, not so much.
4) Salary Cap- In the NFL there is a limit to how much a team can spend as far as player contract from year to year. This helps to ensure equality among teams. There is also a salary floor which says the minimum amount a team can spend (which is kind of interesting as well) to ensure that teams stay competitive. In youth ministry, there is neither.
3) Fantasy Leagues- Every season there are tons of folks who put together fantasy football teams online and compete. It takes being a fan to a whole different level. I can't really imagine this being the case with youth ministry. For starters what kind of statistical categories would you base it on? Although the interaction from the players could be a nice thing to have.
2) Endorsement Deals- If I were an NFL player I would want to have an endorsement deal. The company could hook you up with what ever it is you are endorsing, you get paid extra and you get to be in commercials. In youth ministry, well there just aren't that many nationally known products (or youth ministers) to endorse. I guess we could get deals from Bible publishing companies, but really what else is there? Pizza?
1) The Draft- In the NFL many of the top college players are selected in the draft. The bigger the school and the bigger the stats you put up the higher you will probably go. It doesn't really guarantee success, but it sure looks good. In youth ministry, thank God they don't do a draft. If all churches went by were numbers and where you got your training (if you got any training), well I would be out of luck probably. Maybe I would be able to catch on as an undrafted free agent eventually.
Peace and Love y'all.
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