One thing that I’ve learned over the last 9 years of youth ministry is that if I’m not careful my responsibilities can pile up. If I’m not careful these responsibilities can burry me and hold me back from leading this next generation. In order to keep going and growing as a leader I need to learn to REPLACE MYSELF and FOCUS ON WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT.
Courtesy of Toolstop/Creative Commons License
Youth ministry is a marathon and if you want to be in it for the long haul you need to know how to endure. That means understanding your most important responsibilities. What is it that you have to do in order to reach the vision God has given you for your ministry? Some of your responsibilities might be obvious; however, to truly know what’s most important you need to:
LIST THEM OUT: The reason you lose margin and grow overwhelmed is because you are not tracking what it is you do. Make a list of the tasks and responsibilities you have as a youth minister. Next, separate each task into four different categories:
By categorizing you’ll be able to prioritize and understand what can be delegated.
UNDERSTAND YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES: The more you can learn about your strengths and weaknesses the better you’ll understand where to focus your energy. Taking personality (i.e. Color Code) and temperament (i.e. Myers Briggs) tests will help you see your limits and where you can be more effective.
NARROW DOWN YOUR FOCUS: In order to be effective you need to be able to focus on what’s most important. While there is no perfect number you should narrow the focus to 3 – 5 tasks that only you can do. For me the three things I know I need to do is:
That doesn’t mean they are the only three things I currently do, but I’m working towards that goal by building a team around me. That list might change as my role as a youth minister grows; however, to be most effective I need to focus on those three.
FIND PLACES TO PAUSE: Youth ministry is a journey and you are going to need and evaluate what it is you are doing. If you just keep moving you might go off on a tangent and find yourself misaligned with your vision or even the church’s. Be sure to have people pouring into you, and take time away to be with God.
If you understand what’s most important, if you focus on the right responsibilities you’ll be able to create a movement out of your youth ministry. Make sure you don’t just move, that you understand and learn. Grow by not taking things for granted and listen to where God is calling you.
What are your most important responsibilities as a youth minister?