Lars has spent more time making wrong decisions in youth ministry than most people.  He tends to learn the hard way.  But this is an area that he has always done pretty well.   Lars is the Lead Youth Minister at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.  He writes a bunch and speaks too but generally doesn’t take himself too seriously.  Check out his blog at www.larsrood.com or follow him on twitter www.twitter.com/larsrood or www.facebook.com/larsrood

Lars Rood what is one thing (only one thing) you want to tell the youth pastor population?

If I had the opportunity to tell the Youth Ministry world one thing I would want to tell them that the most important thing they need to establish is solid boundaries.    This is crucial to your longevity and health as a  youth ministry leader.  Boundaries shift and change based on your needs and life too.  You may have different boundaries when you are single, married, with kids, in seminary etc.  I advise you to talk it over with someone who’s done it for a while and come up with what works for you.  Give yourself a check up by asking these questions.  1. How many hours/days did you work this week? 2. How productive were you? 3. When was the last time you took a vacation?  4. When do you get uninterrupted time alone with God? 5. How important do you think you are to your youth ministry?

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