There is always a pause. No one is ever ready for the question, “Why would a youth minister want to work for your parish?”
It’s a question I ask clients that are looking to hire their next youth minister. Most places assume that if they offer a competitive salary and tell people they get to work with teens that they’ll take the job. The truth is that a lot more goes into it.
After more than a decade of working in youth ministry, coaching youth ministers and helping parishes find quality employees I’ve found what youth ministers really want is a church where:
Youth ministry is a laboratory for the rest of the church
Youth ministry should be fun. It’s a place of exploration where new methodologies that might not work in adult ministry can be tested. The reason you can take these risks in youth ministry is because teenagers are more adaptable and forgiving.
Youth ministers are willing to try something new and you need to give them permission to take risks and fail. To create a LAB LIKE youth ministry:
- Avoid any micromanagement but don’t be afraid to get involved
- See failure as an investment where something can be learned
- Challenge them to think bigger than what is the norm
If a youth minister knows that his or her pastor is supportive of an outside-the-box mentality they’ll thrive.
They get to play basketball and not golf
Patrick Lencioni uses the analogy that some organizations function like a golf team when they should be more like a basketball team. On a golf team everyone goes out on the course and does their best. At the end of the day they compare scores.
A basketball team has to work together towards the same goal. A point guard might box out for a rebound, and a center might have to dribble the ball down the court. On a basketball team there is collaboration and teamwork.
Youth ministers don’t want to work alone. They want to know that they are going to be a part of a culture where the focus isn’t on “What’s best for me!” but “What’s best for the church.”
Patrick Lencioni’s book The Advantage delivers a plan, but to get things started make sure you:
- Focus on communication within the parish office
- Make sure people are clear with how their responsibilities intertwine
- Lead by example and serve in the other ministries when possible
When your staff starts playing basketball it shows. Quality youth ministers will want to join because team players attract other team players.
The possibilities for leadership growth are endless
A lot of youth ministers leave because they feel that their potential to lead is limited. This happens because churches do such a poor job of professional development and thinking of the bigger picture.
While you might not have a place to promote your youth minister you do have the ability to raise their level of leadership by:
- Investing in them professionally
- Giving them the opportunity to make big church decisions
- Providing them staff to manage and lead
Someone will stay at your church if they know that they can always grow. As the pastor you need to make sure those opportunities are available by:
- Encouraging them to attend conferences and workshops
- Giving them a professional or ministry coach
- Inviting them to parish council to contribute
- Share with them your plans and ask for feedback
- Raise the money for them to hire another youth minister
Your investment in their leadership will show them value. It’ll be easier for you to justify pay raises as their level of effectiveness increases. They’ll won’t feel stuck and they won’t be looking for other opportunities to grow.
If you want a youth minister who is in it for the long haul then you need to start looking at the position differently. When you start seeing it as an investment with unlimited return you will not only attract quality youth ministers but make your church the best place to work.
What makes your church a church worth committing to for the long haul?
Marathon Youth Ministry serves parishes by helping them improve their youth ministry programs and staff. Start strengthening your youth ministry by setting up a consultation today.