What Does it Take to be a Youth Minister?

[HolyOne87]

I recently got asked to help take control of the Youth Ministry stuff at my parish. I told him I wasn't sure about it but I'd think about it.

I wouldn't mind doing it, but I would want to know how much time I would have to commit to it. I have school two days a week and then work (not sure where I will be this coming September..I am quitting one job and hopefully being hired at my church part time-to help with paperwork and stuff).

What does being a Youth Minister entitle me to do?At the moment, I pretty much help organize meetings each week and also help the priest who is managing the Youth Group run meetings and plan stuff.

And if you are a Youth Minister or know anyone who is, please share your experiences as well. I would love to hear about them.

 

[GeraldNC]

I'm not hired yet lol, but I've volunteered for 8 years, and only now realizing some of the things a youth minister should be doing. A great way to learn is simply look up the jobs on your church denomination's website, or any church classifieds. Then look at the job requirements churches are listing for their youth directors. It was an eye opening experience for me lol.

I also suggest reading the book, "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" and/or "Your First 2 Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields. Both are excellent resources. I've read PDYM already, and I'm reading the other now. (I always do things backwards lol...he suggest the 2 yr book first). You don't have to, and may not be able to, follow his purpose driven steps, but you can take loads of advice from that book specifically about the relational aspects he mentions. It really opened my eye to the fact I don't feel our church has ever had anyone absolutely sold out to work with the youth. We've had, youth directors, but not anyone who went out of their way on the relational side with the youth. The youth director has always had to take care of so many other non-youth ministry things

Anyway, best of luck, may God bless you and give you the skills you may lack and the courage to step out.

God bless!

 

[spiersdodgerblue]

Gods calling!

 

[HolyOne87]

I'm not hired yet lol, but I've volunteered for 8 years, and only now realizing some of the things a youth minister should be doing. A great way to learn is simply look up the jobs on your church denomination's website, or any church classifieds. Then look at the job requirements churches are listing for their youth directors. It was an eye opening experience for me lol.

I also suggest reading the book, "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" and/or "Your First 2 Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields. Both are excellent resources. I've read PDYM already, and I'm reading the other now. (I always do things backwards lol...he suggest the 2 yr book first). You don't have to, and may not be able to, follow his purpose driven steps, but you can take loads of advice from that book specifically about the relational aspects he mentions. It really opened my eye to the fact I don't feel our church has ever had anyone absolutely sold out to work with the youth. We've had, youth directors, but not anyone who went out of their way on the relational side with the youth. The youth director has always had to take care of so many other non-youth ministry things

Anyway, best of luck, may God bless you and give you the skills you may lack and the courage to step out.

God bless!

I will def. look into those books. Thanks Gerald!

 

[HolyOne87]

Gods calling!

hmm, maybe!

 

[7Daniel]

mmm, May the Holy Spirit lead you.

 

[lostwithoutu]

In the past recent months I have been unoficially assigned the task of youth minister for the music teams. It has by far been the most difficult and yet rewarding task I have ever embarked on. The purpose driven books are great, luckily my predecessors have read them and have set the foundations laid out in the book.

I've learned the best thing we can do to keep the youth in our church growing is to get them involved. Learn to delegate. Build teams, and most of all..build them all up spirtitually.

 

[HolyOne87]

^thanks for your suggestions lostwithoutu.

 

[fireman1173005]

Gods calling!

amen!!!

 

[oxmariannexo]

"I also suggest reading the book, "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" and/or "Your First 2 Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields."

Without a doubt those books will guide you in the right direction. Just remember, youth ministry is a great responsibility. It will be hard, exhausting and at times very draining.

I really think you should pray and ask God not only if it's right for you, but for the strength, energy and passion to make a positive difference in the young people's lives.

I wish you all the best!

 

[LizzieSpinelli]

I consider myself a youth minister and I'm 14 years old. I'm nowhere where I need to be but I'm not going to sit around and wait until it's too late to save my generation. I have a strong feeling already in me that I'm supposed to make an impact on my generation and I'm not going to do that by staying silent. God uses kids, and if he's chosen you then step right up to the microphone.