RULE #1 OF YOUTH MINISTRY: DON’T PUNCH KIDS IN THE CHEST

The Pastor in this video failed rule #1. Bam!

To be fair, he has come out since this video went viral with the following apology:

I deeply regret my actions of 13 years ago.  I do not condone abuse in any form.  I chose a very poor example from my past and very poor wording to describe it and deeply regret using it.  By viewing the clip it is certainly understandable how outraged people are. I acted out in one moment many years ago, it is not how I believe people especially a pastor should act.  My actions were not reflective of Christ and the teachings of the bible.  I was wrong, there are no excuses to be made.  I was forgiven by Ben many years ago and can only ask the same from my church, community and the world.

Sincerely,

Eric Dammann

(from here)

More constructive youth ministry posts here and here.