There are many pitfalls of ministry. One of the greatest involves public laughter, glory, camaraderie, humility and shame. Yes, I’m talking about the art of youth ministry nicknames.

Some are given willingly and others are staple-gunned on like a scarlet letter. They are easily given, but not easily shaken. I work for a guy named Bronco. I know another named Spam. Nicknames are a part of youth ministry. Mine has always been a pretty easy one, bumming off my first name Stuart. So I’ve gotten “Stu Dog”, “Stewy” or things of that nature. So for every youth worker there lurks the glory and shame of the nickname.

Let me tell you the story of Man Candy. It’s one of adventure, tears, shame and rappelling. One of our students was asked how her day rock climbing went. She remarked that for a while she was terrified and didn’t want to move. She was paralyzed with fear. “Then,” as she said excitedly, “this piece of Man Candy came rappelling down besides me and the rest of the day was great!”

That piece of Man Candy was my friend (well maybe not after I publish this story) Rick. After hearing this story the name sort of stuck unwillingly. Rick is a hard working devoted missionary that works for YD Adventures Washington and really doesn’t deserve any of this mockery. But that is my point exactly. Nicknames come to all of us, but usually not the way we’d want them to. If Rick knew I was publishing this story he would be angry. He would probably kill or neuter me. So let me state this if it isn’t clear. Rick D’Atre is one hunk of Man Candy.

I just like saying it. Man Candy. Man Candy. Man Candy.

Ahhh, now I feel better.

Untill he finds out I wrote this and kills me.