Ten good reasons for hiring young people

Editor’s note: This column was written in May before students went on summer break. Regardless of the year, people of all ages are without jobs at the moment. The message is still a good one. Enjoy!

By Bill Ellis

Throughout the United States, thousands of young people are now looking for part-time and full-time jobs. A large percentage of this group needs to earn money so they may go to college this fall.

Some do not intend to continue their pursuit of education and academic preparation for future careers. They are looking for a job doing something that will support them for such things as an automobile, an apartment, some food and often just the bare necessities of life. They hope things will be better, but are not too interested in making the necessary preparation. Their goal, all too often, is to have a few dollars in their pocket and enough to pay off a credit card at the end of each month. We can hope they are not on the road to poverty.

Thankfully, most young people have some serious objectives in mind. They are thinking of what life will be like 10 years from now and for the rest of their lives. Those of us who are older can recall those first working years. We started out as a waitress, clerking in a store, digging ditches, delivering newspapers, taking the lowest paying job in a factory or trying to be a sales person.

Here are a few reasons for hiring young people this summer.

1.  They have to start sometime, somewhere. Give them that necessary break. Just like somebody did for you. Help them get started.
2. Any kind of job may give them the encouragement to continue. They will never forget your "start-up program" for them.
3.   If they start working in your town or area, they may want to continue to live there or return "home" later. Your town will always need carpenters, doctors, teachers, police officers, nurses, business owners, firefighters, newspaper employees and those who will operate radio and television stations and everything else your town will ever need.
4. They can learn to do just about anything with the proper instructions.
5.  Young people have lots of energy and strength. They can put in a full eight hours of maximum production and work overtime if necessary. They need the extra money.
6.  Young people must be mentored by one of the best employees you have. Older workers often take pride in being a coach for a young person.
7. The younger person may be able to give many years of productive service in your company or office. That will help build stability into your organization.
8.  It is important to not only hire a young person, but also to help them learn, get the necessary education and training to move on up the ladder with your firm. There is still room in the work place to begin as a stock boy and in 40 years own the company. A good corporation can have homegrown and home-trained leaders for years.
9. Young people have many friends in the area and that may attract customers and clients for your business.
10. Remember that somebody took a chance on you and gave you an opportunity to work. It is time to return the favor. Take an interest in the young talent around you.

Winston Churchill referred to those who work as "Soldiers with different weapons but the same courage." No matter what color your collar is, blue collar or white collar, all honest work is noble and necessary. You can always have a job if you want one. Your job may be looking for a job. Then when you find one, be willing to help others accomplish the same purpose. 

Be thankful for the privilege of working. Many find a spiritual connection in their work. The words of St. Paul have special meaning for them, "We are God's fellow workers …" (I Corinthians 3:9).

What I want and expect of my pastor

Editor's note: The views in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Inside The Pew staff.

By Bill Ellis

Special to The Pew

Spring has sprung and the planting season has begun. It is also that time of the year when many pastors may give serious thought to going to another pastorate, or being sent to another church by their superintendent of bishop. Pastors with children at home often want to move in the summer time so as not to disrupt a child's school year. It may also be the time when young college and seminary graduates go to their first church.

It is an exciting time for both pastors and churches. There is always a degree of anxiety. What do churches look for and expect from a pastor?

I asked one layman and leader who has served his church in a variety of ways, "What kind of pastor do you want? Here are some of his "wants" in his pastor.

1. "I want my pastor to preach Bible based sermons every time he steps to the pulpit." Forget about trivia, sports, headline news and personal opinion. Help me understand what God expects of me.

2. "I want my pastor to be an example for all, in the way he has a command of the language in the country where he serves and have compassion for everyone. To be well dressed and physically fit. I want to be proud of him or her and always pleased to introduce my pastor to my friends, business associates and community leaders.

3. "I want my pastor to be in control of the entire church he serves. To be in charge of the worship service. I want him to inform the music director that it is not necessary for everyone to stand for extended periods of time while singing. I can sing and worship God seated as well, and often better, than I can standing and having my weekly physical workout. There are often older congregants who physically are not able to stand more than five minutes if that long.

4. "I want my pastor to seek God's guidance as he plans and prepares budgets, building projects and programs to serve the entire church and community. Must be a praying pastor.

5. "I want my pastor to make no apology for preaching and teaching about tithing and giving generously in addition to the tithe. I want him to emphasize the generous giving of time, talent and treasure to serve others. Our financial responsibility cannot be taken lightly. We must daily remember, 'To whom much is given, from him much will be required' (Luke 12:48 NKJ).

6. "I want my pastor to be a strong supporter of missions throughout the world, but to fully understand that important mission fields exist close by and often in the shadow of the local church.

7. "I want my pastor to remind me and others of the contributions of parishioners who served and serve our country to protect our freedoms and especially the freedom to worship God.

8. "I want my pastor to take time to be with his family and to have a special day for his spouse. Go to the ball games, musical programs, fishing, have a picnic, take vacations with the family. Teach us by example.

9. "I want my pastor to be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, be more powerful than a locomotive and faster than a speeding bullet." If he can do that, he will be just like my pastor, Dr. Hayes Wicker, First Baptist Church, Naples, Fla.

My brother, E. Franklin "Whitey" Ellis, retired educator, contributed much to this column and adds, "My apologies to the women who pastor many churches all over the world, for referring so much to men, but I do include and appreciate your ministry equally.

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He can be reached at bill@billellis.net.