YOUTH MINISTRY WISDOM FROM THE TRENCHES

We asked this question a few weeks ago on our Facebook page:

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

We thought it would be a great idea to share some of the top responses.

So, here goes…

This sounds negative but it’s true….”if you’re going to work with teens you need to be able to handle disappointment”. (Said in the context of having to let people make their own decisions even when you know they’re the wrong ones). – Richard Stairs

They don’t care about what you know until they know you care. – Amanda Bond

Change the packaging, never the message – Stephanie Powell

Minister out of the overflow not out of your cup. – Justin Marcantel

Ministry is what you do, not who you are. – Ian Sarginson

Setting Boundaries! Our Senior pastor taught us as young youth pastors, “Don’t counsel young girls alone, don’t drive young girls home alone without your wife and always have accountability.” Young youth pastors today are falling prey to sexual misconduct. – Billy Lawson

If it takes a circus to get them there, it will take a circus to keep them there! Stay true to building relationships and teach the word! – Nichole Huggins

Concerning volunteers… “You don’t own them, use their talent while they are willing and while you can and then wait for God to send replacements. – Marina J Turner

We get caught up in programs and games. We will get involvement with retreats and fun events. But we will never push them forward if we don’t disciple them and teach them the Word of God. – Keith Woolridge Sr.

Consistency. Being consistent even if you have a small group at first. Show up every week, be there, be excited for them to be there. There is a lack of commitment and consistency in the world today! – Dawn Delmark

Hope you feel a little bit wiser now 🙂

– Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth

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