Larry loved teenagers. Everyone thought he was the perfect pick as the church’s youth minister.
But he bombed.
What happened? I remember when he came to town. He soon gathered a group of kids who connected with his personality. He spent lots of time with them, planned a full schedule of youth ministry events, and loved delivering his weekly youth talks.
He worked long hours, and had little time left for other staff or friends his own age. In fact he rarely talked with other adults. He grew to despise the kids’ parents. “They’re the problem,” he often muttered under his breath.
Eventually the youth group stopped growing. Larry couldn’t effectively minister to many more. He was tapped out. And burned out.
One day he got a call from another church looking for a youth pastor. Feeling underappreciated in his current role, he quickly accepted the new job and left town.
And the youth ministry he left behind collapsed. Overnight.
Sadly, Larry’s story is not unusual. He went into youth ministry because he loved kids and loved the Lord. He loved spending time with kids. He thought that was his job. But that’s what killed his ministry.
Larry failed to grasp his true role. As the main leader of youth ministry at his church, his real priority needed to be the selection, training and encouraging of other adults to work with the youth group. He needed to develop a team.
A team of volunteer leaders and mentors allows a ministry to multiply. And the diversity of volunteers provides kids with different personalities and temperaments with whom to relate. No one adult can effectively connect with all kinds of kids.
Prioritizing team development applies not only to youth ministers, but to all main leaders.
Jesus set the example. He didn’t attempt to build a ministry alone. He selected, trained and encouraged a dozen others to do ministry. He spent most of his time with them.
And the lasting success of his ministry was shown when he physically left. The ministry didn’t collapse. It multiplied—through an inspired team that stretches to this very day.
Wise, wise words!
Good thoughts….if Jesus Himself saw the need to select and develop a team why would we be so prideful to think that we can do anything without others supporting and helping. And usually if a “longe ranger” type doesn’t see the need for a team of people they probably aren’t even including the LORD Himself in their so called vision.
Excellent. there is no I in team. it is we
AMEN!!
Unfortunately, in my search for a new ministry position, it seems that most places are looking for a “Larry” to make their youth ministry exciting.
True, volunteers wanting to be mentored to lead are few and far between. Many say “you do such a good job at it – why should I learn it”.? Before closing the doors of a congregation – I remember asking the leaders who believed that they were called to the pastorate (I already knew of several) – however none wanted to take over as pastor of that congregation. They wanted to start their own. They referred to the members as “my people” – and I told them, you missed it – the main thing I tried to teach you was these are God’s people (as I made way for preaching and teaching opportunities monthly – I only spoke on first and 4th Sunday, and Bible studies everyone had a month). One thing that’s hard to break is deep rooted traditions – and I learned that area became attached to their pastors – expecting them to do it until they pass away.
The weird thing though…. when we closed the doors (as I felt my time as a senior pastor was over…never stay long…people get attached), all of the core leaders – plus members of the congregation are now ministers!!!! Out of a small congregation of about 70 people, it has produced over 25 ministers ….who are working in roles that they rejected before (pastors that have received them have stated that they were well trained).
The core crew has come to me and apologized for their treatment of my wife and I. I’ve accepted and reconciled – but informed them that I had no plans of replanting that body again. I’ve let them know to be diligent where they’re at. I’m actually assisting another body – but not taking on more and even have certain Sunday’s off …so others can grow. The Pastor has recognized spiritual growth in the congregation, and I’m content in my area of service.
Jesus is the ultimate in shutting down to grow….he just up and left and told his team to carry on promising to never leave them or forsake them.
Something I’ll never understand is why people think that a young person (20’s)is the best person for youth ministry.
What is wrong with a good mentor – regardless of age?
Amen, Patti! I think kids these days could really benefit from older leaders who could mother/father (mentor) them, not someone else just like them.
Patti and Deborah, the average age of a youth minister does seem to be going up. The average Group magazine reader is now 34.5 years old. That’s a couple years older than a decade ago.
I have served full-time in my current church for 5 years, and I feel like I’m just finally getting my legs under me. “Youth Guys” need to be committed to the long-haul, not the bag of tricks and move on after two years. I’m in my mid-30’s and have no plans on leaving student ministry until God calls me out of it. I am blessed with an amazing team, but am looking for more parents/adults to help continue to shoulder the load. Any good recruiting tips?
Convince them (if you can) to take ownership. As long as you’re doing it – they’ll appreciate your service but may never put their own hands to the plow. Parents should take a vested interest in their children’s spiritual growth. Try to observe gifts that the parents posses and allow them to exercise those gifts. Some times it takes a while, or even for you to move on – but when faced with walking it out themselves – eventually they rise to the occasion – even when it’s not connected with your ministry.
Awesome- I never felt called to youth until God dropped the understanding that we are not their bffs but we are their spiritual leaders and we need to create an atmosphere where they feel safe to come to us and share their problems
Growing a team takes work! not an easy task!
So true. A wise seminary professor once told me that my goal should be to build a team such that I would not really be missed for very long if I ever had to leave.
Great article. This is the thumbprint of many in ministry. We must work in building the ministry with a team. Then have a plan of who will succede.
Does any minister train others to go and minister? I get the feeling that they feel insecure about this in case they discover a person who knows more than they do and can do things better than they can do.