How to Become a Youth Minister 17 Traits to Excel

How to Become a Youth Minister / Life of a Youth Minister

How to Become a Youth Minister? A youth minister is someone trained in theology and religion, who works with young people in the church. They combine education, coexistence, and Christian service to God. Some activities a youth minister does is to teach the Word, missionary travel, lead a circle of youth, recruit new members for ministry, among other volunteer services.

This area of the church is essential because it is aimed at children, adolescents, pre-teens, and teenagers. The future servants of Christ’s work, who must be properly instructed in the Word of God, so it is required that the person in charge of this ministry have excellence, quality, and professionalism, as well as be subjected to the will and word of God

Many a Youth Leader in the Church had been inspired by the youth minister that helped them when they were young in their youth groups. I personally had a very righteous mother that insisted that I be brought up in the church. But the turning point in my life was at church camp when I was 12 years old. That time set me on the path of service and seeking to follow the Lord. At 12 Years of Age.

Becoming a youth minister is a formidable challenge, for which few are willing and prepared. There is no magic formula for success, only determination, willing will, a teachable spirit, and self-mastery based on the Word of God can help you overcome barriers and succeed with good performance.

How to Become a Youth Minister

For many young people and youth leaders, this has always been a great challenge, due to the difficulties of acceptance and credibility before others, the barriers of experience, the high level of competitiveness, and the closure of the social circles in which it intends to make its way. As difficult as it is, it is possible to overcome these challenges when we follow the recommendations of God’s Word.

Here’s a shortlist of tips, requirements, and factors to help you become a good youth minister.

What are the Requirements?

Today, there are many requirements to be a youth minister. Some say he should have a degree that accredits him in psychology, religious studies, and communication. Others ask that he have experience in leading a congregation and social skills; who knows the Word of God and stays up-to-date with youth culture; available to the faithful; who know how to handle difficult situations… in short, requirements that may discourage those who wish to serve in this area.

Many Full-Time Ministers / Evangelist and Missionaries began their Church Leadership Journeys began as Youth Ministers. Having the heart to serve, help grow, and mentor young people is very fertile soil for a life of service.

Serving in thw Leadership in a Family of God’s Sheep can be very challenging. Look at Moses and the struggles he had managing God’s children. Keeping them growing, moving all the same direction. The occassional challenging of a Ram Sheep in the flock that loves to head butt.

It is a great place to learn, to shadow, without having to handle all the difficult times. It gives you the opportunity to be mentored, to learn, and grow in this most important calling.

The Word gives us the requirements when Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, where we find intimate words from the Apostle addressed to the young people who accompanied him on his journeys; in particular Timothy, son in the gospel, who speaks to the ministry of the church. If you teach your brethren this, you will be a good minister, nourished by the words of faith and the good doctrine you have followed (1 Timothy 4:6).

In it, we read: “But it is necessary that it be irrepressible, husband of one woman, sober, prudent, decorous, accommodating, fit to teach, not given to wine, not quarrelsome, not greedy of dishonest gains, but kind, gentle, not greedy, who governs his house well, that he has his children in restraint in all honesty… and it is necessary that he have a good testimony of that outside, that he may not fall into discredit” (1 Timothy 3:2-7). Although they are the requirements to be met by church leaders, they also apply to ministers of youth. And he speaks of three inescapable truths:

• They have to be unimpeachable so that no one will censure them or put them aside.
• They must be pure, able to recognize the difference between good and evil, and know how to apply the Word so that they produce justice and avoid pride.
• They must maintain a good reputation based on the Word in order to avoid dishonoring the Church.

The importance of this recommendation is due to the church’s relationship with the mystery of Christ, the most important figure in all creation so that everything is related to Him. That’s why it’s important to keep it in mind. if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Tips to Become a Minister

Many servers take steps to turn their work with young people into a career that allows them to develop professionally. Let’s be honest: NOT all services can be turned into careers. The youth ministry is highly demanding, so you need a church that encourages staff members to take care of themselves.

Continue Learning / Growing

Don’t forget that you are working with people you need to teach, instruct, and educate in God’s love. Remember that personal growth is your own responsibility and not a unique competition of the church. If you are not constantly educated or your church does not encourage you to train, you will soon lose interest, focus, and even direction to guide others.

Some of the recommended tips are:

Timing of Becoming a Youth Minister

If God does not make it clear to you that this is coming from him, it may not be the right time If you are called to the youth ministry, embrace her and know that God has a purpose for you in this ministry. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Give Value to the Youth Ministry

Some churches do not give enough importance or do unattractive things for today’s young people. When you are a young man at the helm of this ministry, it is difficult to be taken seriously and treated as a professional. They give them little room for maneuver to try new things. Don’t resort to worldly methods to bring the ministry afloat. Trust that God will help you grow and add those who are to be saved every day. Make sure you and the church share the same goals and goals to reach the youth. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).

Grow your Skills/ Set Example

As your skills and strengths grow to lead the ministry, the church will see you more as a professional. This takes time to understand, but for the duration of the process, trust that the results will be seen. Work on your weaknesses, stand in the Word and stand firm in prayer by always believing in the Lord’s work. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12).

Set Limits

The ministry is highly demanding and if you do not establish a separation between your pastoral life and your personal life, you will end up burned by stress or overwork and you will probably give up or be relieved. It doesn’t mean marginalizing work, but learning to take care of yourself. Work as a team and delegate when needed. Your church will be satisfied if you love your job and also lead a healthy personal life. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  (2 Timothy 2:4).

Strengthen Relationships with Other Resources

Learn how to work as a team, develop friendships, and know how to live with other members who serve in the ministry. Don’t be arrogant or proud. Seek advice when you need it with experienced staff.

Do it for God, not for something else

Many servants as they ascend to office, seek to enrich themselves or co-op high positions in the church, seek respect and admiration from their fellows. If you are going to perform in this work, do it out of love for God, not expecting to receive anything in return because it is for the growth of the work. Remember that God is watching Him and that He pays each one according to his or her actions. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  (Colossians 3:23).

Maintain Order and Respect

In this position, order and respect are important. Don’t forget that you work with young people who will have you under scrutiny at all times. A bad deed or misplaced word, however small, can jeopardize the conversion and call of young people. Dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Maintaining discipline and obedience to the Word is essential to the proper function of the ministerial office.

Work Professionally / Be The Adult Christian

Be aware of your responsibility. Even if you are a minister of young people and you are in contact with them, you will not necessarily act like one. He needs to be more mature in faith, more rational, maintain a grip on his emotions, meekness, and temperance in what he does. From example by following in Christ’s footsteps in your life and do your work in the best possible way. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully (2 John 1:8).

• Cater to Insiders / Instead of Reaching Out
• Prioritize Sermons Instead of Small Groups
• Reduce Discipleship to a Program / Instead of a Process
• Focus on Participation/ Instead of Next Steps
• Expect Engagement from Parents instead of Earning Trust
• Plan for Insiders Instead of Welcoming Outsiders

Accountable to Your Superiors

Many times we don’t realize what we do. We only look for the pastor when we have a problem or want to solve a need. You need to foster proactive relationships with your superiors. Be sure to tell them what’s going on in the ministry, whether it’s good or bad. Let them ask you questions and give them your opinion. They might want to join the youth ministry and help with the work. This way you will feel confident and supported to ask them for help in a difficult time.

Strengthen your relationship with God Prayer / Fasting / Study

This charge carries a great responsibility. Many have been lost and fallen from the place because of their inconsistency. The only way to stand firm along the way is to believe in God and seek Him in prayer, fasting, and biblical meditation. Persevere in obeying him and stoking the flame of passion for what you do. Whatever happens, never stop looking for more of God every day. Do not neglect the gift in you, which was given unto you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (1 Timothy 4:14).

These tips will help you conduct yourself mostly in the first few weeks, months, or years of your office. Work on yourself and strive to grow daily. Then you will see God’s blessing in your work and be strengthened to move forward with youth ministry.

Factors for Developing Leadership.

In the previous chapters, we have seen the requirements and some tips to consider to become a good minister for young people.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers

(1 Timothy 4:12-16).

7 Factors of Leadership From Paul

From the above excerpt, which sets out the recommendations given by Paul to Timothy, we can differentiate 7 factors on which every youth minister must focus on developing his leadership. These are:

In Word

The minister of young people should stand out for the way he speaks, that his vocabulary is not rude or vulgar, as well as Peter, his way of speaking gives him away in the church, at home, at his work, in his place of study or wherever he is. After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”(Matthew 26:73). Both the fool and the wise man are known by their lips. So your conversations should be a minister’s own, even your comments on the Internet. It is advisable to read to acquire and polish your vocabulary.

In Conduct

A good minister of young people must begin to distinguish himself by his behavior, his good manners, the control of his character, the mastery of his temperament. That ye may walk as is worthy of the Lord, please him in all, bear fruit in all good deeds, and grow in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Build a good temperament, and don’t lose your temper to anything. Watch how you deal with others. And above all cultivate your testimony at home, in the church, and on the street.

Try to be a young man worthy of imitation.

In Love

Do not be confused, this type of love has nothing to do with courtship, it has to do with your passion, your burden and your disposition (not faked, not begged, not obligated). so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Colossians 3:14). Your interest, enthusiasm, and dedication to the presence of the Lord, the house of God, and his work, both publicly and secretly, in visible ministries and in minor tasks, should be noted. You’re going to be more prominent if you dig deep into the level of someone truly engaged (being involved is different from being engaged).