What does it take to be a Youth Pastor? Humility and a good sense of humor are mandatory.
Many a Youth Pastor has had to shave their head, eat crazy things, kiss a pig, had a pie in their face or “got a dunking” in a vat of cold water to raise money for youth room equipment.
Commitment to ministry and a deep love for teens are also required. As is appropriate for every Christian, the Youth Pastor’s life must be lived as an example (James 1:19-21). The burden of Youth Ministry keeps the Pastor on his face. Literally hours are spent in prayer seeking daily direction and wisdom.
The Youth Pastor listens, prays, gives wise counsel and supports right choices. Youth Ministry isn’t just about games and social gatherings. It’s even more than teaching teens God’s Word! It’s about teaching kid’s how to apply God’s word to everyday life situations (Psalms 119:105; II Timothy 3:16-17).
Our teens face challenges today that many parents can’t even imagine! Movies, music and top rated television programs show ungodly lifestyles and irresponsible behavior as ‘normal.’
Teens need spiritual truth that can be applied to the life decisions they must deal with every day. As David said in Psalms 25:5, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior; and my hope is in you all day long.”
Statistics show that the church is losing our youth between middle school and college. According to America’s Research Group’s survey, only 55 percent of children who went to church regularly continue to be churched during high school. And by college, only 11 percent were still attending church.
Statistics alone illustrate the need for an evangelical youth leader that is devoted to prayer and ministry! Satan has the youth Pastor’s name written at the top of his ‘project’ planner; I need to make sure our Youth Pastor’s name is at the top of my prayer list.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior; and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5
Prayer: Father, encourage our Youth Pastors and Workers. Give them strength, faith, discernment and hope. Touch me that I would support our youth and the leaders; always holding them up in prayer. Show me opportunity to encourage them and bless them. Amen
Scripture References:
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalms 25:5, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior; and my hope is in you all day long.