How To Find The Perfect Fit For Your Youth Ministry Position

So, you need a youth minister. Maybe it’s because the one you had just quit, or you are looking to start a youth ministry. Regardless of why you need a youth minister you can’t afford to just hire anyone.

The key to reaching the next generation and engaging their families is by having the right leader in place. Unfortunately, our desperation to find someone can prevent us from finding the right one.

When it comes to hiring don’t be afraid to SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS and:

GET SOME OUTSIDE COUNCIL

If someone in your parish has HR experience ask them to advise you through the process. Their insight on:

• Resumes
• Interview Questions
• Job Descriptions

Will save you a whole bunch of time. The more prepared you are going into the process the more prudent you’ll be with your decision.

MAKE SURE THEY FIT THE CULTURE

Everything could look good on paper but if the candidate doesn’t fit the culture of your team it’ll create misalignment. To make sure they will work well with others:

1. Set up times where they can meet other staff members and key volunteers
2. Invite them to an event where you they can interact with teens, and even parents

Afterwards talk to the people who interacted with the candidate and get their feedback. Remember, even if the person has the skill, talent and resume if they don’t click with those you work with it’ll just cause misalignment.

OFFER THEM A CLEAR AND ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE

How much are you willing to invest in this person? Remember while you are interviewing them, they are also interview you.

Make sure you give them a job description with clear roles and responsibilities. Offer them a fair salary, budget and the opportunity to grow in their profession.

If a quality candidate sees that a church is willing to invest in them they’ll glad return the investment despite the sacrifice.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO START OVER 

If at the end of the process you aren’t happy with any of the candidates don’t be afraid to start over. There is no need to pick someone just because you need someone.

If you hit this scenario then it’s important to stop the process and review two areas:

1. WHERE AND HOW YOU ADVERTISE THE JOB: You might need to expand the search, try different approaches or even consider outsourcing the process. It could also mean looking beyond the typical youth minister candidate and looking for someone outside of the field (I recommend Project Managers and Volunteer Coordinators).

2. WHAT YOUR CURRENT CHURCH CULTURE COMMUNICATES: You might not be offering an attractive work environment. It’s during these times when you should look at your staff culture. Seek advice from the parish council or bring in an outside consultant to help you assess the situation.

The hiring process will reveal a lot about your church. It’ll force you to look at what’s clear and what isn’t. It’ll get frustrating at times, but what you learn will be worth it.

If you slow the process down and take the right steps you’ll end up with a youth minister on your team who is committed and that’s what the next generation needs to grow.

What best practices would recommend parishes embrace during the hiring process?

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