Is Youth Ministry Too Much Of A Liability?

I’ll admit that one of the reasons I struggle with camps, retreats, and large events is the amount of paperwork. Collecting forms, checking spreadsheets, and making sure everyone is compliant makes me anxious. Add a pandemic into the mix, and the amount of paperwork and guidelines grow. During this new season of ministry, I’ve found myself wondering, “With all this paperwork, are we ever going to do any ministry?”

We are in an interesting paradox. While documents like Christus Vivit and The New Directory of Catechesis are calling for more relational ministry, the same Church is also saying, “That’s great, but be sure to fill out this form, watch this training, and stay within the guidelines.” It does make you wonder, “Is youth ministry, or any relational ministry, too much of a liability?”

Relational ministry is always going to have some risk to it, and while finding ourselves in a legalistic world, it merely means we have to adapt and adjust our approach. While some pushback on the guidelines is good, it’s essential during this season not to lose momentum. So, if you are neck-deep in paperwork and guidelines:

INVITE YOUR TEAM TO SHARE THE BURDEN

I know that sounds unfair, but there are people out there who love filing, spreadsheets, or organizing. If you are worried about giving your team too much, then recruit temporary volunteers. These are men and women to complete a project or task. There are people in your parish that would be willing to help your systems and best practices that will aid your ministry. Invite project managers to help you plan the retreat. Office managers to organize your calendar. Seek out administrative assistants to help you process paperwork.

Relational ministry requires administrative work even when the paperwork and guidelines are minimal. This situation is not only a chance to lighten your workload but build your team. Use this season as an opportunity to strengthen your efforts by recruiting a new type of volunteer.

GET ON THE SAME PAGE AS YOUR STAFF

Our pastors end up dictating a lot of what we end up doing as parish employees. To help them make the best decisions possible, provide them with the right type of information. Even if they’ve been a huge advocate of your ministry, they still need to know your plan, your questions, and your concerns. If you don’t already have a weekly meeting with your pastor or supervisor, set one up.

In addition to your pastor, let your coworkers know what you are doing. By creating awareness, you reduce unpleasant surprises. If you inform your fellow staff, you can trust them to speak on your behalf. This action not only expands your capacity but increases communication. Let them ask you questions, invite them to challenge your decisions, but in the end, make sure they are in the know.

If you feel that your pastor is not great with communication and your coworkers are in silos, be the agent of change. Go around the office to office and check-in. Create an internal newsletter with updates surrounding the ministry and get to know them personally. Together you’ll be able to figure out guidelines, protocols and create a path that is best for your parish.

KEEP MOVING FORWARD

At the end of the day, the ministry needs to happen. If you keep reacting to guidelines and waiting for your liability and child protection departments to tell you how to do relational ministry, you’ll only find frustration. Their role is essential, and their wisdom is crucial; however, it should not be the only guidance you receive for your ministry. There are complicated decisions where we have to rely on the Spirit and the people God brings to our teams. There is always a risk in ministry and to eliminate is foolish.

You will make mistakes, and while you want to avoid the big ones, you cannot afford to sit still and wait for the world to change back. Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) and trust that God is with you. Connect with people in new and exciting ways.

On October 14, the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry is hosting an online experience called Momentum: Moving Forward (https://nfcym.org/featured-events/forward/). We at Marathon Youth Ministry are so excited to be a part of this event. Suppose you are unsure, nervous, or afraid about moving forward through the unknown sign up today. The team that has put this together will not only share wisdom but walk with you and help you apply what you learn into your ministry. To register, click the button below.

Learn More About Momentum