How to handle thief's??

Question

Hello everyone, so I am a youth pastor along with my husband. We have youth bible coming up tomorrow so me, the pastor, and her 17 daughter went  grocery shopping for the 3 days event. Well, this is the second time this same teen has stolen from me. The first time she stole a phone that wasn't turned on and her mom found it and gave it back to me. Well today while shopping her mom went to Academy while we were in Rouses getting the last few things for the trip. I forgot my pen in the car to cross things off my list so she offered to grab me a pen out my car so I agreed. Fast forward to us getting back in the car I realize immediately the money I left in the middle compartment vanished when I KNOW for certain it was there when I arrived Rouses. I'm truly hurt and I feel betrayed by this kid. How do I handle this when she lied and said she didn't take it? I'm feeling aggravated and obviously I want her and I to enjoy camp but I'm not at ease right now with this situation

Answer

First I’d pray to ask the Lord to help you be wise and loving. Often we want to be loving and forget the wisdom. Be innocent as doves and wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16). Let Holy Spirit guide you in wisdom. I’d seek out a conversation when your emotions are in the right place. Talk with the daughter and the pastor or separately if that is what the Lord leads (pastor and then daughter, etc.). In the mean time while you wait on the Lord’s guidance, I’d use that wisdom. Don’t leave her or trust her with tasks related to money or possible theft. She is obviously struggling with theft as a sin and is tempted when given the opportunity. Don’t put her in a tempting position. I’d observe her more closely. Just praying about what the Lord may have to say about her and what He wants you to do about it. Obviously you are noticing for a reason. God wants His daughter free from this sin AND whatever is leading her to it like attention seeking or rebellious spirit. Something deeper is going on here and the Lord has just made you privy to it. I’d also be praying about her parents and observing that. Is this a habit they are aware of? If so maybe it’s a place of desperation for them, and they could use someone to lovingly say I’m here with you and want to help. If not, and you make them aware, bring them in - as in say, her I’m noticing this, I’m planning on just seeing how I can help your daughter, is there anything you’d think could help?
As far as the money she took from the car, I think I would have made her empty her pockets/purse. Calmly and polity been like “hey, I love you and think you are great but since you did fall to temptation before in stealing the phone I think it’s only fair I ask you to show me that you don’t have the money. I am only asking this because I care, I care about you in a way that surpasses social norms and steps into truly making sure we are all on the same page and IF you need help I’m going to be there. I understand you say you did not do it, but I won’t apologize for being straight forward and real with you.” Something along those lines. 
Remember God knows her way better than anyone and everything she does He sees. Ask Him to help you word things, ask Him what emotions to have. He is happy to help and so ready to work with you in the lives of others. 
Youth pastoring is hard! Blessings!

How to handle thief's??

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