A Christian-run awards programme says that those called to minister to youth are often left feeling undervalued to the point of being "crushed". Now in its sixth year, the UK-based Christian Youth Work Awards were partly designed as an encouragement to those involved in ministering in young people, who can often feel "under-resourced, unsupported and under pressure" according to the organisation behind the accolades.
Chris Curtis, the CEO of Youthscape which runs the awards, says that some Christian youth work employers often fall hugely short in properly managing and looking after their staff. "We've heard some real horror stories over the years from people who have discovered that the church or organisation they've come to work for have unrealistic expectations, or poor management structures, or a combination of both," he says. "Too often youth pastors are crushed by the weight of responsibility placed on them by an adult congregation and leaders, and find there is no-one around to support or listen to them."
Rather than simply focusing on these horror stories, however, the Awards aim to take a more positive and proactive view, encouraging and celebrating the many examples where the picture is very different. One prize is offered for the Best Youth Work Employer – a church or organisation which demonstrates a commitment to looking after youth workers properly, while awards for 'unsung hero' and 'volunteer of the year' are designed to celebrate those who might otherwise escape recognition.
Nominations are now open across six categories for the event, including prizes for a resource of the year and the most innovative example of youth work. Anyone can nominate, via a brief online process on the website www.youthworkawards.co.uk. Winners will receive commemorative statuettes, along with prizes ranging from an iPad to a weekend break for two, at a ceremony at the prestigious London School of Theology on November 11. The event will also be live streamed on the Awards' website.
"Even if they don't win, people are always hugely encouraged to discover that they've even been nominated, which is why we try to contact all nominees to let them know," says Curtis. "It's a shot in the arm for those who can often feel under-resourced, unsupported and under pressure."
