Being with youth is fun!

How did it happen? How did a middle-aged man with no kids of his own end up taking on a semi-leadership position with a church youth group? I didnít even get along with teenagers when I was one! I was one of those kids that got picked on through most of adolescence.

Basically, I backed into it. When one of my oldest friends organized our church youth group, he asked me to help out with one or two activities. Judging an Olympic event here - offering transportation there. And that remained my level of involvement for the first few years. But I found I enjoyed the company of the kids. And gradually, 'stopping by once in a while on a Sunday night if I had nothing else to do' turned into 'being there every Sunday night unless I had a prior commitment.'

To my surprise, I realized that youth group was no longer something I did to help out my friend. It had become an important part of my life. What I get out of it is far more than what I put into it.

Being with youth is fun! Talking to them invigorates me, makes me feel younger and fresher. They are open, they say whatís on their mind. I have loved developing a rapport with them. And their commitment to doing good work is an inspiration. My own faith and commitment are deeper because of my contact with these fine, caring young people.

Our entire church is stronger and spiritually stronger because of this youth group. I'm proud to be a small part of it.

Frank Tangredi
Deer Park Presbyterian Church

If you would like to write to Frank, I know he would love to hear from you. He has been working in Youth Ministry with us for many years. He can be contacted at: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org.
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