They Call Me Byron

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Byron Sommardahl. I can’t adequately express in words how excited I am to be here to work and worship with you. It is truly an honor that God chose to place me alongside you as we walk in His steps. I promise to help you up when you trip or fall… I hope you’ll do the same for me. This road we travel together isn’t all that smooth, is it?

They tell me that I’m the youth minister. I appreciate the title, but I want to clear something up before we get too far into our relationship. I’m not going to be your typical youth minister. You see, I believe that YOU – the parents – are the REAL youth ministers, chosen by God the day your children were delivered into your arms. On the one hand, God has given you the task of keeping them safe from physical harm (not all that easy, is it?). On the other, He expects you as parents to bring your children up to know Him (maybe even more difficult).

I can’t take your place of physical protector or spiritual caregiver, nor will I try. However, I can and will offer assistance. I’ve never been a parent, but I know it must be hard at times. I know this because it is hard to be a kid sometimes. If life is hard on kids, how much harder is it for the person who cares for them like none other. Not only will I care for the teenagers in this church, but I will also care for you. Acknowledging that the God ordained tasks of physical and spiritual childrearing don’t belong to me, I pledge to help you as much as you will allow, getting your teenager(s) to the foot of God’s throne (in once piece). I have already told the teenagers that I will be there for them no matter what… The same goes for you.

The summer has begun. The new school year isn’t all that far away. We’ve got a lot planned for the next year: events, trips, retreats, concerts, you name it. Everything we will do will be designed to help you be a better youth minister to your teenager. Be on the lookout for opportunities to strike up conversations about God. Watch for times when God is nudging you to pray. Keep your eyes pealed for “teachable moments”. They’re coming… will you be ready?