On top of helping youth ministers develop stronger youth ministries, Marathon Youth Ministry also assists churches to find the right people to lead the next generation. When we I sit down to help them start their search the question I get asked the most is:
“What should I be looking for when I hire my next youth minister?”
While you want a leader and a team player I believe there are five values that every youth minister should embrace:
You’ll struggle to grow disciples if you aren’t growing in your own relationship with Christ. While you could hire someone with their Doctorate in Theology if they don’t know Jesus they won’t be able to share that effectively with the next generation.
You want someone who can articulate their relationship with Jesus Christ. They should be active, someone who desires a Christ-centered community and is looking at ways to grow in their faith. If they aren’t making their own faith journey a priority they will not only risk burnout but lead others astray.
Whether it’s writing an email or delivering a message at program your youth minister needs to know what to say, and how to say it to their audience. If you hire a youth minister that cannot communicate well they will struggle to motivate others to attend, serve and invest in the youth ministry.
Look at their public communication skills. Ask them how they would clearly communicate the vision of your church. Don’t just listen to what they say during your interview but how they say it.
As a youth minister, you need to make communication a priority. If you need to attend workshops on public speaking or creative writing to improve your skill do it. What you say, and how you deliver the message holds a lot of weight. Make sure you are constantly working on this skill.
In addition to communicating your youth minister needs to know how to manage others. They should know how to:
A youth minister who can manage others will have the ability to expand their capacity. That means reaching more families and helping more teens get to know Christ.
In addition to expanding their capacity, a youth minister who can manage others effectively can create an attractive culture where new leaders in your church will emerge.
A true leader needs to consistently grow. That means they aren’t looking to build a ministry and put it into cruise control. You want someone who is willing to be challenged and think outside the box.
To know if they are willing to be challenged ask them:
Someone who is willing to grow is someone who will be able to adapt to the changes that come with youth ministry. They will be flexible and motivated to grow. You will just need to make sure you give them a big enough sandbox to play in.
Youth ministers need to be able to laugh at themselves and along with others. If they take things too seriously they’ll lose the next generation. While you don’t want a complete goofball you want someone who knows what engages and entertains teens.
To see if someone has this value you need to surround them with other fun people. During the interview process set up a time where they can interact in a social setting like bowling or miniature golf. Are they smiling, and cracking jokes? Will they be able to relate to the teens and more importantly stay positive during difficult seasons.
No youth minister is perfect, but there are quality men and women out there to serve the next generation. You might feel anxious to fill the role, but remember it’s about finding someone who will stay the long haul.