I want to begin by saying—thank you. I know the weight you carry. I know the sleepless nights, the tough conversations, and the moments when it feels like you’re holding together the pieces of a fractured world for the sake of the next generation.
I began serving as a youth pastor with the Saskatchewan Baptist Association in Melville, Saskatchewan, in 2020. It was my first pastoral role. I stepped into it with energy, excitement, and wonder—only to quickly discover that expectations were high . . . and often conflicting.
Then came COVID.
Suddenly, ministry was uncharted territory. Every decision felt like a lose–lose situation. Opinions clashed—not only about the pandemic, but about politics, culture, and almost everything else. Sadly, these divisions didn’t end when restrictions lifted—they seeped deeper into homes, churches, and communities. Families stopped gathering for holidays. Friendships fractured. And all the while, the youth—those entrusted to our care—felt the ripple effects of the adults’ inability to reconcile.
In moments like this, our role can feel impossibly lonely. How do we unite youth and their families around the one truth that should bring us together—what Jesus did for us on the cross and the hope we have if we trust him?
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2 NASB)
Sometimes the challenges make it hard to see clearly. But God provides what we need for his service when we place our trust in him.
Philippians 2:13 reminds us “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
God provides his Word and his Spirit, and also his people. You are not alone. Others have walked this path before. Right alongside you, others are facing the wilderness of ministry, the loneliness of leadership, and the weight of division as youth workers in the NAB. We want to walk with you.
On August 14, we had our very first meeting of the Landing Youth Worker Strategy Team. This team is comprised of youth workers from eight of our twelve NAB regions, with hopefully more to come.
Our mission is elevate, equip, and encourage the youth workers in the conference.
- Elevate: use NAB platforms and communications where youth workers can share their stories, insights, and ministry experiences so their voices shape the broader conversation in the NAB.
- Equip: provide practical, biblically grounded tools and training to help youth workers.
- Encourage: foster relational spaces where youth workers are cared for, connected, and supported in the challenges of ministry.
Please stay tuned for information and initiatives from our team. We are excited to be a resource for your ministry, to provide connections for NAB youth workers, and to create spaces where your voice can be heard within the NAB family.
So, friend, know you are not alone. You are part of a bigger family, a greater mission, and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).
Pastor Jesse Darby
Melville Baptist Youth – Melville, Saskatchewan
Immediate Ways to Connect
These resources are a work in progress, but they’re for you: