Youth Ministry From Scratch

I get asked the question, “If I’m starting a youth ministry in my parish what are some of the first steps I should take?”

Courtesy of Andrea Goh/Creative Commons License

There is no cookie cutter because of the many factors that would impact the ministry.  In fact it starts with taking a look at your church and understanding it’s limitations and opportunities.  But, to start a healthy youth ministry you need to:

DEFINE WHAT YOUTH MINISTRY NEEDS TO ACCOMPLISH

I believe youth ministry should be focused on commissioning the next generation of disciples.  That means coming alongside of parents and their teens to help them grow in their faith even after they graduate.

What do you believe youth ministry should accomplish?  Your answer could differ and that’s okay, but you need to have an answer.  Knowing what your youth ministry needs to accomplish will help you create programming that makes sense.

KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Who are you trying to reach?  Who is not coming to your church?  You need to know the teenager in your community.  It will help you create a program where they feel connected, loved and accepted.

If a teenager feels like your youth ministry knows them then they will check it out.  Take time to not only define what you are trying to do but who you are trying to reach.

HAVE A HEALTHY CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

You could have a clear picture of what youth ministry should do; however, if your children’s ministry is a disaster it will make your efforts frustrating.  While you can launch a children’s and youth ministry simultaneously it’s important to put effort into children’s first.

Growing a healthy children’s ministry means growing a healthy foundation for student ministry.  You’ll spend less time backtracking and more time going deeper.

BUILD A LIKE MINDED TEAM

You are only going to do well if you have a team alongside of you working towards the same goal.  A like minded team means people are willing to stack hands, lean into the conflict and think outside the box.

To find these people share with them the vision you’ve created for the youth ministry.  If they get excited and share a similar vision invite them to the table for a discussion on what you can do to reach the next generation.  The stronger the team the smoother your efforts will be in reaching your vision.

UNDERSTAND IT TAKES TIME

I’ve been doing youth ministry for 12 years and I’m still learning.  Youth ministry is a journey and it’s going to take time to figure out problems and see results.

It’s important to embrace patience and build your trust in God.  Measure what you are doing and start tracking your progress.  Overtime you’ll begin to appreciate the journey you just have to remember that it can take time to get to your destination.

Starting a youth ministry from scratch is difficult but possible.  It’s something that’s absolutely necessary to help your church grow.  If you are invested in the next generation you’ll not only grow future disciples but bring life to your current ones.

If you want someone to come alongside of you in building a youth ministry or if you’ve recently hired a new youth minister who needs coaching check out MYM One on One Coaching HERE