Now I'm not saying it's a malpractice to accommodate pastors, musicians and the alike for their contributions to an event or church service. Being a musician myself, I have traveled hours away on numerous occasions to sing a set for a youth event and left empty handed. This should not be.
But when leaders in the church are being pampered and catered to by the congregation just because of their position, something is wrong. Even Jesus said "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," (Mark 10:45). With this issue becoming more common place, it is important that we who have been called reevaluate ourselves.
Am I giving enough? Am I displaying the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters? Am I doing my part ? Am I selfless? These are the questions that keep me up at night. It is true, youth leaders are looked to as "the leaders" yet often we feel inadequate or unqualified. And chances are, our suspicions are correct. We aren't good enough. But God didn't call us to be good enough, he called us to serve, to cry out in the wilderness like John did "make straight the way of the Lord." We are called to present the Gospel humbly, and admit our faults-- that "[we] are not the Christ!" (John 1).
-Be Encouraged,
Tre Michael