Leading a successful youth ministry requires more than just having a competent leader. To ensure success, it is important to build a team of leaders who are just as spiritually and professionally competent as you are. Look for young parents who are willing to volunteer their time and energy to the group. Teens will be more likely to engage with someone closer to their age.
Additionally, it is important for the leader to be consistent in their search for God, as they will not be able to give what they do not have within them. To be effective, consistency is key. Overcome any challenges that arise and focus on one topic at a time. It is also important to delegate tasks and responsibilities among team members. Make sure to set aside regular time for strategic thinking and remember that problems should be resolved gradually over time, rather than seeking quick and ineffective solutions.
Too many youth leaders go online the day before their program and frantically search for something that will work. One of the most important skills you can learn in a youth ministry degree program is the ability to delegate. When looking for the next youth pastor, focus on finding someone who can manage a much bigger vision than themselves while serving in their church. Do not try to replicate the success of another church's youth group by buying more technology or adding more events to your calendar; if there is no spiritual growth, all of your efforts will be in vain. The best way to improve your impact on youth ministry is to deepen your commitment to prayer, both personally and programmatically. If you are in charge of your church's youth ministry, consider the tips mentioned here.
Clearly communicate the direction in which the ministry is going so that your next youth pastor can help you get there. Seek advice from people who have experience in youth ministry, such as faculty members who teach youth ministry at CSU. It should come as no surprise that prayer is one of the main characteristics of successful youth groups. This can help take the guesswork out of youth ministry so you can focus on being the best leader you can be and creating the best program possible. If your youth ministry does not provide students with the kind of friends they want, they will not stay around long enough to participate in any programs, no matter how fun or creative they may be. The simplest way to deepen your impact on youth ministry is to deepen your commitment to prayer, both personally and programmatically.
I was reminded of this when I heard a testimony years ago about how to point in the right direction when preparing to build an effective youth ministry. Read on to learn more about how you can do this.
