Selecting Leaders For Your Youth Ministry


How can one select quality leadership for their youth ministry? This is a question that has plagued youth pastors, directors, and leaders for years. I myself ask this question each time I step into another ministry, and even long after I have been settled into said ministry. So I have decided to share what I have learned so far.

  • Look for variety - Remember that you are putting together a team, not a bunch of clones of yourself. Look for people who have different temperaments than you do, different personalities, different tastes (media, hobbies, sports, etc.), and different styles. You want a balanced team for the most effective ministry. This does mean that you will at times have a hard time coming to easy agreements on somethings, but it will force you to think through the reasons of why you are doing what you are doing, how you are doing it, when and where you are doing it, and how you can best do ministry together for the students in your care.
  • Ignore Age - Too often we fall into the trap of thinking that the best youth leaders are young, hip, and have a soul patch. Many times the best leaders have lived longer than you have. Wisdom comes with age, and a large part of our call is to share wisdom with our teens. Often times, many of these volunteers have had teenagers of their own and can add to the process better than you might think.
  • Ask your potential volunteers in person – Never (and I do mean never) put out an open call for leadership positions. You will wind up with people applying that should not be in a leadership position. It will help you avoid confrontation, and will give you more control over who you will have leading with you. It will also give you an immediate connection of respect for and with the individual that you are asking to serve alongside you.
  • Invest in your leaders – Once you have your team in place, pour into them. Make sure that you thank them for their service regularly. Schedule regular times of planning and training. Reward them. Publicly acknowledge their efforts (especially in front of the youth group). Let them know that they are invaluable to the ministry.

All in all, remember that your youth (group) ministry will never be truly effective without the efforts of volunteer leaders. Look for them. Invite them on board. Value them, and prepare for an adventure together.

Category : Church Life, Instruction, Ministry, Ministry Resourcing, Youth Ministry