out with the old, in with the who's next

I had breakfast with a friend today who is on his way out the door. He is the latest in a long live of youth pastors who rotate in and out of our town.

I've been a youth pastor in State College since 1998. I have made some great youth pastor friends over the last few years. I've also watched as most of those guys have moved on.

11 in the last 9 years.

3 churches account for 8 of the changes.

That's probably not a record, but it can't be good can it?

There's a rumor that the average youth pastor stays at one place for 18 months. That's not accurate, according to this article. But it sure stinks to see guys roll in to town, get on board with what God has been doing in the direction of unity and cooperation in our town, then pull up stakes and head for other parts.

It makes me sad to see them go, knowing/believing that God wants to do something here, thinking that they are part of the dealio...

I miss them. It feels like part of me goes with them. Good guys, good hearts, good byes...