What Keeps You Up At Night?

I scare easily.  If I hear something go bump in the middle of the night I want my wife to get up and figure out what it is.  But, I know (even though it’s probably nothing) that I need to check it out.

There are things that keep youth ministers up at night.  You wish for them to go away and resolve themselves, but we know that’s not always possible.  While there are hundreds of different fears, 4 that youth ministers cannot ignore are:

NOT HAVING ENOUGH CHAPERONES

It feels like the 11th hour and you don’t have enough chaperones for your event.  You have no idea where to find them.  Like any problem you face develop a plan:

1. Make a list of people you know.
2. Call them it’s the quickest way to an answer.
3. Brush off the No’s and keep calling.
4. If someone says No ask them for a recommendation.
5. Ask your core leaders to assist with the asks.

No matter what you do remember not to panic.  You want to make sure you are clear with the need and don’t be afraid to offer an incentive (i.e. a meal on you).

OVERBEARING PARENTS

No one wants to be chewed out, especially by a parent.  But, before you run and hide remember that most times it’s not about you.  A parent might react negatively towards you because they are overwhelmed with parenting.

It’s your job to respond with love.  Listen to them, let them vent and then react with kindness.  If a parent feels like they’ve been heard they’ll see you more as an ally.

TEENS WHO MIGHT NOT SHOW UP

You do everything possible to make the event happen; however, there is that lingering feeling that no one will show.  Relax, while you can’t guarantee teens will show up every week you create better attendance.

To get teens to show up on a regular basis you need to invite them consistently and constantly.  Ask your volunteers to help you extend the invitation so that you are not on your own.

HAVING TO FIRE A VOLUNTEER

A difficult volunteer can cause a lot of stress.  You wish and hope that they just quit, but no matter what you do they hang around.  The only thing worst than firing a volunteer is deciding to keep them around.

Before you make the decision to let a volunteer go make sure you:

• Address the problem right away.

• Give them the opportunity to change their behavior.

• Reassign their responsibilities.

If a volunteer still presents themselves as a problem you’ll need to let them go.  To help you develop a plan to let a volunteer go, read HERE.

There will be moments in your ministry that seem daunting and impossible.  You’ll want to hide and avoid them at all cost; unfortunately, they rare go away on their own.  Lean in, surround yourself with support and have faith that God will pull you through.