Is There An Ideal Age For Youth Ministers?

I remember cringing when I saw the cover of the magazine. On the front dawned a man wearing shorts, a graphic t-shirt, a backward baseball cap, and sporting a goatee. He had a guitar over his shoulder a frisbee in one hand and a pizza in the other. It was an image I was well to familiar with because what I saw was a caricature of me and I didn’t know if it was a good thing.

The cover story from the magazine was all about the stereotypes when nit comes to youth ministry, and frankly, there are a lot, but the one that seems to get me the most is the one that deals with age. I’ve heard countless times that a good youth minister (And even volunteers) needs to be a certain age.

There are things I miss about being in my 20’s (e.g., eating as much junk food with little to no consequences) and there have been plenty of blessings I have received with getting older (e.g., Parents are more like my peers). While age has an impact on your ministry, it will not determine your success. When it comes to being an effective leader, age plays a role but what matters is your:

ABILITY TO LISTEN TO OTHERS EVEN WHEN WE CANNOT RELATE

If you want to know how to serve and work with others, you need to be able to listen to what is happening in their lives. When I was younger, I struggled to believe parents understood the world of teenagers because they a so far removed from it. I would create assumptions that would dictate my behavior and attitudes toward serving them. It wasn’t until I was able to listen to what was happening in their lives and learn that there was something more than what I had initially believed. By listening, I was able to connect with parents even though I wasn’t one myself.

It’s the same exercise with people younger than me. I can formulate beliefs based on my own experience or insight, but I have to remember that the world has changed and I need to listen to younger people just as much they need to listen to me. By listening, I can learn more about their lives and be able to speak into it with more authority.

Listening to those who are different from us will help us connect at a deeper level. It takes practice, but it’ll help us overcome the feeling of being too young or too old.

WILLINGNESS TO REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND COMMITTED

It’s easy to believe that young people are too erratic with their thoughts, decisions, and actions while older people are set in their ways. As a leader, you need to be flexible and willing to adapt. It allows you to change with the times and adjust to obstacles that pop up in your way. At the same time, leaders need to be focused and committed. You need to be focused on the bigger picture and remember that distractions can derail your progress.

Youthfulness can help you be flexible, and age does bring wisdom that will aid your focus, but it comes down to your attitude and ability to trust. Are you willing to believe that God has a plan even if it means getting out of your comfort zone? To remain flexible and stay committed to working on your relationship with God. Believe He has you where He needs you and will call you to new ventures.

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING DISCIPLESHIP AND EDUCATION

You can be in your 20’s or walked the earth during the time of Moses, it doesn’t matter your age or experience because there is always something left to learn. If you are aa leader, you need to be a learner. I’ve discovered that some of my more challenging years in youth ministry occurred when I ignored the need for spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, or human development. It does not matter how long you have been in ministry; there is always something to be learned because there is always something around us changing.

Your age might impact how quickly you learn specific skills (e.g., technology), but the determination to grow will keep you relevant. If you are looking for further development, check out Marathon Youth Ministry University or check out our variety of coaching services HERE.

Age does have an impact, and over the years, you’ll find that some things are not as easy to do as when you were younger. At the same time, you’ll become more efficient and confident because what once confused you or slowed you down is no longer a factor. But, no matter how old you are, some attributes have no age limits. As a leader, we need to continue to grow, adapt, and remember God can use anyone to do His will.

When have you felt limited by age? When have you felt empowered by your age?

Want to grow more in your ministry? Check out MYM U today.

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