Are You A Pure Youth Minister?

It’s right there on your job description, even if you don’t see it.  It’s a line that says, “All other duties assigned by the pastor.”  It can be frustrating when all you want to do is youth ministry, but then again it could be a great opportunity.

Courtesy of Joelk75/Creative Commons License

Most churches are understaffed.  And because there is a shortage of staff there is a need to take on different roles and responsibilities.  Even though your title is “Youth Minister” you might find yourself:

• RUNNING CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
• CLEANING THE HALL AFTER AN EVENT
• OVERSEEING ADULT FAITH FORMATION
• DRIVING THE PASTOR TO A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT
• BALANCING A BUDGET
• AND THE LIST WILL GO ON

So, what can you do about it?  You can complain, voice your grievances on social media and find a whole community of people saying, “I’m not paid enough to do all of this.”  

There is some truth to the fact that church workers are stretched thin and underpaid.  But, if you embrace the fact that you have multiple hats you’ll:

DISCOVER OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW MORE LEADERS

Multiple hats means multiple positions to fill.  There are people in your pews waiting to serve and you just need to ask them.  It will take a lot of work up front, but in the end you’ll find people sharing the burden.

Make yourself present on the weekend and get to know the people in your pews.  Sit down for coffee, share a bite to eat and cast vision.  Pass around those hats to people willing to wear them.

PUSH YOURSELF TO GROW

When you wear multiple hats it naturally puts you outside of your comfort zone.  The way to respond is to learn.  Go to conferences, sit with successful people in your church and read books that help you tackle the different areas you oversee.

The more you grow, the more you’ll understand how to tackle problems and take the ministry to a new level.  When leaders learn they begin to see the potential God has given them to make an impact.

LEARN TO TRUST GOD ON A DEEPER LEVEL

When you embrace the fact that you have too many hats you embrace the fact that you are not in control.  It’s easy to lose sight of how much we need God, especially when things are easy.

Managing multiple tasks is tough and that’s why you need to make sure you are constantly working on your faith.  You can do that by embracing a Sabbath, joining a small group and spending time in scripture.  Acknowledge you are not in control and give it over to God.

You can still be a pure youth minister even if you sometimes have to wear multiple hats.  But, don’t let those other tasks hold you back.  Use them as an opportunity to push yourself and grow.  You’ll grow stronger as a leader and so will the ministry you shepherd.