SOME GREAT YOUTH MINISTRY ADVICE

What’s a gem of youth ministry advice that was passed on to you and still holds true?

We recently asked some youth ministry leaders that question and here’s what they said…

Dan Binette:
If you don’t want to quit once a year, then you probably aren’t doing it right.

Elizabeth Gage Hudacko:
Students don’t care how much you know, they need to know how much you care.

Robert Scott Alexander: 
When you think they are not listening… they are. Really closely as a matter of fact.

Jason Hart:
Some aren’t “youth group” kids. Just because they’re not involved, doesn’t mean they’re bad or without need for your support.

Richard Stairs:
Pizza is the answer. It doesn’t matter what the question is.

Robert Jacobson:
In times of tragedy, you don’t ask…you go.

Angie Jemison:
You have to earn the right to speak into their lives.

Tony Willsher:
In ministry, there’s our part, the students part, and Gods part of making life change happen. God only asked us to do our part, and do it faithfully.

David Mercer:
The mark of a truly great youth minister is one who is willing to plant trees knowing he may never sit in its shade.

Hannah Rule:
Showing up for them, showing you care about what they care about, is as good as any lesson you can teach.

Bonnie Bevers:
You will NEVER make everyone happy. That’s okay, keep going.

Tracie M. Long:
Seek out the one. There is one there who needs more personalized attention. It could be the quietest one, or it could be the loudest, most expressive one. Keep an eye out for “the one” because they need you and your reassurance.

David Kawika Smith:
Be the support for them that you wish you had growing up.

Steve Cook:
Always have a Plan B, C & D.

Josh Woodard:
Students won’t cry with you, until they laughed with you!

Nicole Cory:
Its about quality, not quantity.

Heather Bowlin Laird:
Keep God at the center of everything.

Jarryn Wiley-Pearce:
Don’t let anyone “should” on you.

Kaitlyn Jackson Wilson:
Students can tell if you’re being genuine or not. If you’re trying to build fake relationships with them, they’ll know.

Joshua Imboden:
Whenever I’m about to do something, I think: “Would an idiot do that?”. if they would, I do not do that thing.

Scott Priestley:
If you’re talking, you’re not listening.

Now, here’s some youth ministry advice from me:

• Find and keep a sustainable pace for the long haul. This often means you need to slow down.
• Less is more.
• If you’re full-time, then take off at least one full day of ministry each week. Two days is optimal.
• Pursue an interest or hobby outside of ministry and/or church life.
• The outcomes of your efforts are not up to you. Be faithful and trust that God is always active in the lives of students.
• Your primary job is to create an environment where students connect with God.

About a year and a half ago we asked this question to youth ministry leaders. It’s very similar to the one we asked this time around. The question was…

What’s one of the oldest pieces of ministry wisdom that still rings true for you today?

Go here to read the responses.

Hope you found some helpful advice here today.

– Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth

If you’re looking for youth ministry curriculum, then check out our…

EXCLUSIVE YOUTH CURRICULUM

Get one year of strategic youth ministry totally done for you! 52 teaching lessons, 52 small group lessons, 4 youth group events and 6 training sessions.