Youth ministry is an incredible job, but it’s also very demanding. And, that’s why it can be frustrating when coworkers, parents, and even the teens don’t take you seriously.
Youth ministry is a profession and it should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, it’s often viewed as babysitting for teenagers. If you are tired of being patronized or just looking to advocate youth ministry as a serious position then:
That means changing a few of your habits and organizing the way you approach your job. To get started you need to make sure you have:
Your job description is that guide that answers these essential questions:
If you need a job description or need to revamp the one you have to sit down with your pastor (or direct report) to put it together. If you need guidance:
Even if it isn’t perfect put one together and mark a time where you and your direct report can review it annually. This way you can answer the question:
And, to help you succeed you need to make sure you:
A calendar not only organizes your schedule but gives you margin and confidence. People will take a confident leader seriously.
To put together a solid schedule you need to know:
In his book First Things First, author Stephen Covey provides an object lesson called Big Rocks. It’s an exercise that helps us organize our responsibilities so that we can be efficient.
HOW YOU DRESS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
What you wear does matter. It not only impacts how people view you but also how you behave. SAGE Journal (social and personal psychology publication) published a study on how dressing formally versus casually not only impacts the impression you give others but the way you approach certain situations. When you dress:
Therefore, if you are going to a meeting dressing a little formal is going to do you justice. To read the full article click HERE.
When it comes to appearance people will treat you with a little more respect if you remember the basics:
Everyone has their own style and that’s okay as long as you remember it does impact people’s perspective of you.
TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR COMMUNICATION
Your communication cannot be reactionary. It needs to be intentional and well planned. You need to make sure you know which mediums reach which audiences the best. If possible build a team that can help you:
For more on communicating to your audience check out these other posts:
MASTER SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR MINISTRY
ARE YOUR EMAILS BEING IGNORED?
4 FOOL PROOF TIPS TO IMPROVING YOUR SPEAKING
I recently asked the question, “Are your meetings worth the sacrifice?“ If you can host a well organized and memorable meeting your professional status will rise.
Make sure you take the time to plan and prepare your meetings. Build a team to help you set-up, break down and greet people. And remember your audience is giving up a lot to be with you.
Get serious about what you do and people will notice. They’ll see that what you do isn’t just hanging out with teenagers, it’s something bigger.
[reminder] What best practices would you offer? [/reminder]If you are looking for professional development as a youth minister or someone who works in a church setting you can set up a consultation for MYM 1 on 1 coaching by clicking the button below.
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