Success in youth ministry requires a clear understanding of what success looks like. To be effective, youth leaders must create a place for young people to gather, invest in their own personal development, and be consistent in their search for God. It is also important to ensure that the church is behind the youth ministry and that resources are available to work. Young people should not be relegated to the worst rooms in the church, and youth ministers should report to the front regularly and, where appropriate, preach from time to time.
Young people should be a visible part of congregational life, and tracking attendance can help identify areas where youth ministry can be improved. Social media can be used to remind young people of service schedules and upcoming events, and church management software with social networking features can help collect feedback from young people about their church experience. It is also important to create emotional bonds with teens and their families individually. When building an effective youth ministry, it is important to have a strong youth leadership team in place.
This team can help recruit and teach teens and train them to be student leaders of great skill and will. It is also important to communicate your vision clearly and think ahead when preparing lessons. Seek advice from people who have done youth ministry, such as faculty members who teach youth ministry at CSU. The most effective youth leaders are the most committed to preparing each lesson with the time and work it needs to be excellent.
