Youth Ministry Essentials: To Stick Around? Or To Jump Ship?
A few weeks ago, I attended a large gathering of youth workers from around the country. I ran into a friend of mine who has been a youth pastor for nearly 35 years. Running in to Dave got me thinking about the idea of longevity. And after stewing on it for a couple of weeks, I think I might have come to a conclusion. I’d love your input, especially if you think I am missing something. My conclusion is this:
I don’t think longevity is something that many youth pastors value.
I don’t run into a lot of youth pastors whose goal is to stay in one place for a while. Or for that matter, to stay in youth ministry for a while. The reasons and motivations are many, and I won’t venture to make any judgments on the decisions men and women make. But the lack of longevity in student ministry creates some issues.
As my veteran youth pastor friend and I talked about his nearly four decades in youth ministry, he said something profound. He said that he sees two real problems with not establishing yourself at a specific church for at least one “ministry cycle” (i.e., sticking around to see a group of 6th or 7th graders graduate high school):
- Experience: Can you really have the experience needed to set goals, make evaluations, and lead a ministry until you have watched the same group go all the way through? I don’t know the answer, but it’s a really interesting question . . .
- Influence: Simply put, influence is earned through proven results over a period of time. It’s very difficult to influence someone–whether that be a senior pastor, a volunteer, a parent, or a student–if you aren’t around long enough to develop the relational capital to yield influence.
When we commit to staying at a church for a significant period of time, it seems like we develop invaluable experience, and the ability to impact and influence people.
So, the question is “Can we identify factors that lead to the under-valuing of longevity by so many youth pastors?”
Here’s a few thoughts I had. I’m interested to hear yours:
Culture’s Influence
Longevity at a single company is no longer a value in our culture. Gone are the days of the “gold watch” rewarded for a lifetime of faithful service. Most people will work for four or five companies in their lifetimes. Many will work for more than this. Has this mindset trickled over into the church? Are we always purely motivated by the call of the Spirit? Or are we sometimes motivated by the pull of our cultural context? Are we culturally conditioned to look for greener pastures?
Seeing Obstacles As Exit Signs
So often it seems like we view friction and relational issues as a sign to bail out. Of course, ongoing strife can be a sign that we need to seek a new opportunity. But, is this always so? I think that perseverance and steadfastness are some qualities we as youth workers could work a little harder to develop. Conflict is not always the exit sign. What if we didn’t look to jump ship each time there was a difficult time at our churches?
The Lone Wolf Syndrome
I see so many (SO many) youth pastors leaving the local church to pursue consultant gigs, or to become full time speakers. While I believe God calls some to do this, and while we operate in a church cultural context that has created (and by extension values) these positions, I humbly ask the question, “Is it better (or more biblical?) to remain in the local church?” I have to say that I am pointing the finger directly at myself when I mention this factor. I ask as someone who has worked in three para-church youth organizations, and has benefited financially over the years from speaking at retreats and conferences.
I’ve also been a youth ministry volunteer for ten years and have seen the power of relationship as it pertains to discipleship. When so many excellent, highly qualified and trained youth pastors leave the local church to speak and consult, students lose valuable relational connection points.
While God absolutely calls us to leave churches and join with other churches, I think we have to honestly ask ourselves if we are always motivated by God’s call, or if there is something else in play.
I would REALLY welcome some conversation on this one. What do you think?
- Am I way off? Is longevity a value we should seek?
- Or is it merely a by-product of the environments we find ourselves serving in?
Andy Blanks is the co-founder of youthministry360. Andy has worked in youth ministry for 12 years, almost exclusively writing, designing, and developing curriculum. Andy is a volunteer youth leader with his church’s youth group, leading a small group and speaking and teaching whenever he gets the chance. He is a teacher at heart and loves to challenge teenagers and youth workers alike through his writing and speaking.
Andy,
This is something I think about myself from time to time. I’m just about to finish up my 10th year of full-time YM here in Southern California. My first assignment I was at for 5 years (didn’t finish one cycle).
I think longevity gives to us an ability to be that much more involved in the lives of students and earn the right to be heard. A few observations I would contribute:
I wonder how well we do at becoming managers of YM rather than the youth pastor that has to do everything. Sometimes you can see people that will jump ship when conflict arises, but I’m curious how many youth workers are trying to do everything and thus burning out and can plan a future merely because they’re exhausted and can bring necessary people around to move the ministry forward.
The other would be how well we are doing at developing a plan for what we would like to see in the life of a student upon graduation. We can easily cheat students out when we create a plan and don’t see it through and then someone else comes in develops their own plan which may be different.
As pastors we’re “the activities director at someone else’s family reunion. They were a family before you got there and will be after you’re gone.” How well are we doing at taking care of that family while we are there?
Keegan, I love your perspective on implementing a plan. You’re exactly right. When philosophy’s change, students would certainly experience more stress from a transition that if your plan had been implemented throughout their time in your ministry. Great insight.
Thanks for stopping by the blog, and a BIG thanks for your faithfulness in serving. Have an awesome day!
Keegan,
“I wonder how well we do at becoming managers of YM rather than the youth pastor that has to do everything.”
That line hit home! My first year, I tried to get the YM off the ground on my own, and when it got to a point that it was actually becoming a viable YM, I quickly realized I was only running at 55-60% efficiency because I was the one trying to do everything. In the last few months, I’ve spread responsibilities to my volunteers, and the release to simply “do” ministry has been incredible!
Good stuff. Thanks for the eye opener.
Hello Andy. I have been enjoying your blogs. I am a full time youth minister and have been doing so for 23 years at the same church. I can tell you there are several reasons why I am still here, but I dont know how common my situation would be to others. First of all, my husband and I are hired as a team. Therefore , we are doing ministry together. We were members of this church before we were hired and our children are now being raised in this church. We are also, firmly rooted and established in our community and have no desire to move or to find another church. We have had an extrememly supportive pastoral staff. Our time is flexible as to when and where we put in our hours. It is a 40hr work week with no office hours. we work out of the house for the most part. And above all, we have a passion for teens and young adults and leading them to Christ and the “place” we are doing that has been fruitful. With all of that said, we have recently began to experience a few issues at our church that saddens us greatly and we could easily see that if someone were to have to deal with this stuff ongoing that you would begin to look into a different place to do ministry. Possibly we have had such wonderful cirucumstances to work in that we have not had to deal with anything other than that. At this time also, our children are grown and almost out of the house so changing churches would be easier.
Brenda, Thanks for the kudos! We exist to serve, so knowing you enjoy the blog is a big blessing. Thanks for being part of the ym360 Community. it sounds like you guys have an incredible situation. Sounds to me like a wonderful testimony to what a Church can be when people act in unity as the Body. I pray that these new struggles will pass, and that you will grow even more faithful through them! God bless you and your family.
Andy,
At first, I thought this was going to be a cut and dry response, in that I believe longevity is something we should seek. However, in reading the last question, I’ve come to understand the point that you are getting at.
I know, personally, when I got the job I am at now, my mindset was to set roots here and see where it would lead me. 15 months later, my mentality hasn’t changed. I’ve most certainly dealt with some frustrations that led me to think “The grass is greener on the other side” but I quickly came to realize that my calling to ministry revolves around the “relational capital” you mentioned in the beginning. Therefore, it led me to conclude that to jump ship would only hinder the development of myself personally and ministerially.
So, even when there might be moments where I get frustrated, I know that in terms of the big picture, it is simply a minor speed bump. Ministry was never promised to be smooth sailing! As I alluded to earlier, my goal coming into ministry was to commit to one cycle. Cycle 1 has 3.5 years left. I don’t see any reason why I won’t be here when that cycle ends.
Finally, the only reason I think we do see such a trend of youth pastors jumping from one position to the other is simply because of the reality of the position. We are constantly pouring ourselves out for teenagers, their parents, their families, we’re underpaid, and sometimes (most of the time?) don’t feel truly valued for what we do. The feeling of excitement of being the new guy becomes desirable when we start to feel run-down or unappreciated, but all it does is create a cycle of disappointment because the honeymoon period ALWAYS comes to an end, and that’s when the weight of your first impression either crushes you, or you show you’re actually worth it.
That does it for my 2 cents. Thanks again for all the great material!
Franco, This is awesome insight. I think you have a VERY healthy and servant-minded attitude toward ministry. And I think this will definitely keep you plugged in even during hard times.
I think you raise an excellent point about the nature of what we do. I am blessed to know several very established businessmen who I hang out with on a regular basis. Sometimes I wish the men and women who excel at secular businesses could see what the average youth pastor goes through. I do not know of any demographic of people who work as hard in what is so often an environment of high stress and little (earthly) reward. Burnout is a major issue with youth pastors, and I believe you are correct in identifying it as a big reason why people leave churches.
Thanks for chiming in and for being part of the ym360 Community. We value you and your commitment to serve the Kingdom through ministering to youth.
Andy, great article. Being on the other end of my first “cycle” through (9-years in ministry at 1 church) I definately see the benefits and blessings of longevity, but also remember “those days” when I felt like giving up. To all the 2-4 year guys and gals, stick through it, it’s worth it. I think you hit on somethings (as did Keegan & Brenda) that definately contribute to the “temp” mentality. Going at it alone and burning out I think is the greatest factor followed closely with not being on the same page as your Sr. Pastor and board, and not handling conflicts. These things take time and experience to learn and develop but 9 years later, working with a great team of volunteers, meeting weekly with my senior pastor and having an elder lead middle school boys small groups, and facing conflicts head on in love has opened up great opportunites for ministry and given me peace and rest knowing that I am where God called me to be!
Well said, Jeff! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Have an awesome day!
Hey Andy, once again…Well Said! I am “not your run of the mill” Youth Pastor! I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary as “The Director of Student Ministries” at a small-town usa church. I do not have a degree in christian ed but I have 30 years experience as a parent, a mentor, and (to quote my 18 year old) I genuinely care for every teen that crosses my path. I am very blessed to have been hired over 3 people with degrees but no life experience, no local family to “keep them around”, and no parenting experience to be able to relate to the parents of the teens. All that said, one of the first questions the teens asked me at my initial interview was, “How long are you gonna stay?” What a telling question! These kids had been thru three youth pastors in 4 years-UGH!!! They didn’t want another person to just stop in for a bit on the way to somewhere else! Yes, I have threatened to quit several times! This job is the HARDEST one I’ve ever had!!! I have been “second in command” and “just a volunteer” however, this is different and I have learned that I need people to hold up my arms very often! I am exactly where GOD wants me to be and how can I argue with that? I LOVE MY JOB and have no intention of leaving but sometimes if I weren’t committed to staying, it would be easy to just throw in the towel! I think another thing to consider is the spouse situation and their need for employment. Since we don’t make a ton, our spouses ususally have to be able to find a job locally. I do believe however, if we are in God’s will and committed to our job, God will bring our spouse the job they need to allow us to stay. Thanks for your insight and support!
Deborah,
This is great stuff . . .
Two things you said jumped out:
1) “I LOVE MY JOB and have no intention of leaving but sometimes if I weren’t committed to staying, it would be easy to just throw in the towel!”
This is SO true . . . Not only with youth ministry, but with marriage, secular positions, etc. If we’re always open for a new opportunity, who knows what we might miss out on simply by sticking with where God has put us. Obviously, God calls us to new opportunities. But, sometimes we might be jumping too soon because we are simply not committed to staying through thick and thin. great insight.
2) “Since we don’t make a ton, our spouses ususally have to be able to find a job locally.”
This is huge and cannot be overlooked. This is great insight.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing!
Andy, I think all ministry is relational. It is built on love and compassion for those we minister to. That being said, I have to agree that youth pastors as a whole don’t stay in one spot too long. There are may reasons for this but one that was touched on in another responce is financial. I can only speak from mu experience and area but where i’m from most youth pastors aren’t paid full time and are lucky to.be paid part time. This is very stressful to ministers and I think they can sometimes see a better position at another church or “move up” to pastoral ministry. When youth ministry is your hearts desire it is hard to focus on a job tha doesn’t deal with youth plus be effective in ministry. Just a thought
Jason, excellent point that hasn’t been mentioned in those terms exactly. You’re right. Especially considering the time put into it, the level of compensation drives a lot of youth pastors to “move up” or move out. It makes staying in some ministry contexts almost impossible.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Jason. Hope you have a great day.
[...] I enjoy reading is Andy Blanks’ from YM360. Today they featured a great post titled, “Youth Ministry Essentials: To Stick Around? Or to Jump Ship.” In the post, Andy shares some great insights about why the turn-around rate among youth [...]
Hey Mike, Great points here! If anyone wants to see a few more reasons that seem to influence the “jumping ship” phenomenon, head on over to Mike’s blog linked above. He does a good job filling in a lot of the blanks.
Also, Mike, congrats on coming up seeing a full “ministry cycle.” I know it will be extremely rewarding for you. Thanks for being part of the ym360 community.
Andy, I loved the post. You’ve inspired me to write a blog post in response: http://ebccrosswalk.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/longevity-in-youth-ministry-rare-indeed/
Awesome, Mike! I am heading there now . . .
FYI: I’ve just added two more I thought of since posting it so now it’s a round “Top 10.”
Andy,
Good thoughts!
I served for 3 years as a volunteer youth pastor at my first church. I served a full cycle at my second church after going “full time”. I’ve now been serving at the 3rd church for 10 years soon to be 11 and don’t see myself leaving this church.
I have learned that no matter where you go there is conflict so to leave due to conflict would keep you hopping from job to job.
I have learned that you have to bring others on board to serve with you. The students need more attention than you can give them alone. You need the friendship and relationships that come from serving with a team.
I often question my age. Am I too old? I think as long as I care for students I can minister to students in some capacity. Gone are the days of lock-ins or man hunt for me. My body can’t take it anymore. So the “look” of the role shifts over time and stages of life.
Could perhaps youth ministers move on too soon because they didn’t ask enough questions up front before taking the job? The reason why I don’t see myself leaving where I have been for ten years is because I found a perfect fit.
Thanks for your blog!
Andy, this is great stuff. I like the question about age. I know two guys (one of whom I mentioned in the blog) who have bene in youth ministry 35 and 25 years respectively. They are maybe more relevant now than they have ever been. And it is because they don’t try to be anything other than who they are. I think you are dead on.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Love your blog!
Great post! I think something else that needs to be considered is the view of youth ministry in the eyes of senior pastors who come into a new church and quickly clean house to bring in new ministers. In seminary I encountered many individuals who felt called to be pastors and decided to become youth ministers and “work their way up the ladder,” as if youth ministry is an entry level position! This view is not uncommon and many of the people who hold it do become pastors. It is hard to imagine that they will treat the youth ministry and youth minister of their church with any value. I was asked to resign from my previous youth ministry position by a new pastor (2 months before my first child was born).
Yup . . . Danny, it’s far too common. It kills me, too, because I think it’s a carryover from a business mindset. If, as you say, pastors saw other ministers as their because of a call, there would at least be a time of evaluation to gauge proficiency. But you’re right, often they clean house. It’s sad.
Thanks for stoppin by.
I have had the joy of serving for 7 years at my first church and now 22 years at FBC Russellville, Alabama. On the question of longevity, that has been God answering my prayers. When I took my first church I was at a youth camp one summer and I remember asking God to allow me long tenures in my ministry. Knowing that God had me where He wanted me and knowing that God answers prayer, those two things helped give me the staying power I needed to get through the occasional tough times.
Richard, you are one of the guys I had in mind when I wrote this. You are an incredible example to youth pastors. You’ve weathered burnout and staff change and stayed true to students and to your call all these years. It’s a real pleasure having you on the ym360 team. You ‘da man!
I would like to offer a few other reasons why people are leaving youth ministry that I have noticed over the last several years. Often we hear the negative reasons why people are leaving, but I think their are a few others.
1. How does the church view youth ministry and youth workers. Many guys get their first jobs when they are single or married with no kids. In a matter of only a few years they can be married with several kids. If the church wants to keep youth workers around for the long haul, they need to recognize this, and adjust the pay scale accordingly. I use to think that lots of guys were just using youth ministry as a stepping stone, but I think some guys just start a family, and can’t afford to live on a youth workers salary.
2. For most people, youth ministry is their first ministry job. They (hopefully) grow in their ministry in leaps and bounds in those first few years, and that church that was good for an inexperienced 22 year old, is holding back the 27 year old who is ready for new challenges.
3. Lets not forget God’s calling. Who says it is God’s ideal for someone to be in one church for 40 years. God may call you to that, but he may call you to move around some. I think their was a guy named Paul who seemed to go from church to church quite often.
Just a couple thoughts. I know a lot of youth workers are leaving for the wrong reasons, but I think their are legitimate reasons for moving to the next ministry.
Dave,
Couldn’t agree with you more about God’s call. Obviously God calls people to newer opportunities that involve leaving churches before a long tenure. And, I think there is the converse principle working here, as well: many people may stay in comfortable positions because it is comfortable, not because God has necessarily called them to stay.
You have great points there on 1 and 2. Good insight. Thanks a ton for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts.
Great response to the questions. I think there are two sides to the story on whether a person stays for a long time or moves on. I’ve been in student ministry for almost 7 years. Is it about staying for a long time at one place or is there more to it?
I’ve enjoyed reading all of the responses. I definitely agree with both 1&2.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Josh/ Let us know what we can do to help support you as you do ministry.
I have been working with the youth grades 6-12 for 3 years at a church that is 4 years old in New Hampshire, New England. It has been rewarding. New England they say it’s a tough place and they are right. People make all the excuses why they can’t come to church or youth group. But I work w/ awesome leaders. I have not done the youth group bounce, In N.E. there is a lot of church bouncing… .. IN GOD WE TRUST
Andrew, Great testimony, bro. Sounds like you have an awesome thing going on up in N.E. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, if you ever need any extra ministry help, say, in the summer months, you can always give me a call!
Have a great evening and thanks for being part of the ym360 Community.
Jumping ship isn’t new as we all know. I’ve seen it happen multiple times where I serve at Second Houston Guys come hoping that this job/church will change their life and then realize Youth Ministry is at times very hard and decide to go back to “small town USA!” My prayer is that guys will realize that God can use them in their city at their church just as much as He can at the new church. We need to stop worrying about “moving up the ladder” or becoming “the man” with a cool new title at a cool new church. We need to start worrying about the title that God has given us and it is Disciple, and to Go and Make Disciples! Once we start worrying about what matters most we will stop looking around for the next best thing and see that we have a lot of work to do, right where we are….
Right on, Michael! Well said. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Stop back by soon!
Andy,
I agree! As someone who has ministered to youth workers over the last 11 years, I’ve seen too many youth pastors come and go. It is my experience that little true ministry happens until at least the third year of ministry at a church. Unfortunately, that is more time than the average stay of a youth pastor.
I do see more youth pastors staying longer at churches. My prayer is that it is a growing trend!
As for the factors, I think you missed one of the major ones…the Local Church. Let me list a few of the issues I see from the churches that helps youth pastors move along.
Job Description & Extras: Many churches tack the title “associate” to the job list of youth pastors, requiring them to often step out of their calling and consume much of their time from youth and family. I know one youth pastor required to attend EVERY church function (weddings, funerals, children’s events, etc.), visit everyone in the hospital and take on duties outside of youth ministry. He stays at the edge of burnout all the time.
Priorities: Few churches place a lot of value on the youth ministry or the youth pastor. If a church looks at youth ministry as a baby sitting service or that total responsibility for kid’s spiritual maturity falls on the youth pastor, they are set up to fail. A key indication is how the congregation treats the senior pastor vs. The youth pastor on pastor appreciation week…rarely is it equal.
Expectations: How many search committees pay attention to the length of employment at previous jobs or sign youth pastors to contracts with long term expectancy? My guess is most churches accept the short term culture and do not expect their youth pastors to stay long. Many church members also wonder how long youth pastors will take before they move onto a “real job” in ministry.
Yes, youth pastors are to blame for not sticking around long, but churches rarely make it easy for them to do so or encourage them to long term ministry.
Haley
Great thoughts, Haley. And you are exactly right: many times the behavior of the Church is such a huge factor. I like what you pointed out.
I’m like you: I hope we continue to see youth workers making longevity a goal, and trusting God to direct their steps.
Thanks for all you do, Haley. Stop back by soon.
Andy, this post is just what I needed for some perspective. A little background: I have only been in youth ministry for a little over 4 years but the last three were spent overseas as the youth director for an entire military base. I worked with 6 different congregations as well as the Catholic youth. Fast forward to 4 months ago and my family has since transitioned back to the states for at least 3 years. I think the issue of lack of longevity in youth ministry as affected the mentality of the church and youth ministers more than most people realize.
Since returning to the states, I have tried helping out at three different churches and most ministers either don’t understand how to utilize me or don’t want to entertain the idea of me helping out with their ministry because they know I will only have a few years before having to leave. They seem to see my short term stay as abandoning the students one day. From my perspective, I have spent the past 3 years watching 2 to 3 students leave every month and several new ones come in. Despite the fact that I am seen as someone who wouldn’t be able to properly connect with students since I won’t be there a whole cycle, I connect faster than anyone I have met yet. I don’t see this as some spiritual gift though, but as a trained mentality and heart. I count each minute with students as a chance to reach into their heart and encourage or simply help with their struggles. I also tend to prioritize reading more youth culture books and current events so that it will be rare that I can’t bridge at least some topic that a student is interested in toward Christ.
This certainly isn’t to brag because God knows I would love to connect with students for a whole cycle. Watching them go from 6th thru 12th and into college would be a dream. I don’t have that luxury considering how God has blessed my family. There has also been a lot of heartache attached to watching so many students leave. I think sometimes God wants me to use my 5 minutes wisely, so He can get someone else in to further help the student identify Christ in adults.
The possible pitfall I see with long term ministry (please understand I say this is a possible pitfall, I LOVE the idea of long term ministry and support everything people have posted so far, but none of us are perfect and even good things lead to weaknesses) is that many youth ministers tend to take their time connecting with students because they have so long with them. I guess you could say that the blessing of long term ministry sometimes becomes a luxury. In fact, I have even witnessed a youth minister mumble to me about a junior high kid who says they are an atheist. Basically the attitude was that they couldn’t worry about dealing with their nonsense, their friend would bring them back and Jesus would reach them eventually. Losing sight of the urgency is a serious pitfall indeed.
I honestly think spending time in a military setting overseas would help a lot of ministers feel a sense of urgency in relating to students. Because of this I feel blessed that I didn’t start ministry in a setting where students stay for a cycle. I also feel that God put it upon my heart to reach out even harder knowing that I knew when I would be leaving them. I imagine a lot of youth ministers shut down communication when they are about to leave. In fact I have been told I should cut my ties with students after I leave to make it easier on them since I am no longer their minister. God hasn’t let me stop answering their questions about Him yet. Maybe that is my long term though, just being there with an email address when they need me. In fact, I had a student and her older sister add me on facebook a few weeks back. They never came to youth group once, but they knew me from when I would stop to ask them about school on post and remind them they are awesome. They simply wanted to tell me they accepted Christ at their new church back in the states. Longevity is an awesome blessing, but I think we should also realize that sometimes our impact is within the span of 2 minutes as opposed to 6 years.
Thanks again everyone for such awesome comments. I have really been struggling with feeling that I am seen as a weakness in ministry due to my constant moving. Knowing that there are ministers wanting to discuss this issue gives me hope. God bless!
Jeremy, This is such an awesome perspective. My jaw dropped when you said you worked with 6 different congregations on the base. Wow. What a unique experience. I think you raise some really cool points, definitely ones that go unconsidered. And your perspective should be a challenge to those who have the luxury of staying in a church for a ministry cycle or more.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for being part of the ym360 Community. God bless you.
My first Youth Minister position was at a small rural church in Arkansas. I was actually a Jr in high school myself when I started, but all but one of the youth there were jr high students. I left there after a year and a half because I graduated high school and joined the Navy. After nine years in the Navy, I moved back to Arkansas and shortly began volunteering in the youth department at my home church.
That Student Pastor resigned about a month after I started volunteering, and I worked as a volunteer interim Student Pastor until we hired someone new several months later. I was basically the “second-in-command” in that ministry (from the viewpoint of the students) for three years until I was called to become the bi-vocational Youth Minister at another rural Arkansas church.
I’ve been at this church for 7 months and we love it here. I know that we are serving where God has called us to serve, and the level of autonomy I have to figure out “what works” for our students is AMAZING for a small church. (I am well-aware that we are still in the “honeymoon” phase.) Even when I was interviewing with the search committee, people were already using phraseology like, “for however long you’re here,” or, “until you get ready to move on.” At this point in time, the only reason I can imagine leaving this church down the road is to take a full-time position somewhere. God answered so many of our prayers when He brought us to this church, and I know that He will continue to help us be content if we depend on Him and not ourselves. I think sometimes that’s where student ministry loses it’s longevity. We get so caught up in doing, doing, doing, that we forget to lean on the one who we’re doing for.
Great article!
Greg, Sounds like you have been on a cool journey, that in some ways is just getting started. You’re right: dependance on God and His leading assures that whether we stay or move on, it’s the right decision. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have an awesome day.
Hey, Guys…what input! WOW!!!
2 things jumped out at me.
1. Conflict. Sometimes conflict can strengthen a ministry. I know this sounds weird…hang on! HOW the conflict is handled can make a world of difference. For example, while things were going really well, I had a sit-down with the Sr. Pastor and told him I expect us to have differences…that is life. I asked him for the freedom to vent, complain, disagree (respectfully, of course) without fear of being fired. I also communicated to him that just because there might be a conflict that I wouldn’t be running for the door, either.
2. Greener Pastures. Very often, Youth Ministers use Youth Ministry as a stepping stone until they get to do “real ministry”….. Oooh! The church has to do a better job of valuing the role of Youth Workers. On many levels, we have. I also understand there are many variables in this equation as well. However, if we vocalize the importance of Student Ministry and be just as patient and understanding as we are with Sr. pastors, I think we will see an even bigger shift toward longevity.
Thanks for bringing this to the table, Andy!
You’re right on, David. Two huge factors affecting longevity in youth ministry. Thanks for sounding off and for being part of the ym360 Team. God bless, bro!
Thanks for the questions. Keeps us thinking and growing. I’ve been a youth guy since 1999 in 5 different churches, but I will celebrate my first 3 yr church anniversary next month here where I am now! I have felt the tug to stick around every time, but the contexts were each unique. One was a summer job during college, one was a part-time (yeah right!), one was a full-time in my early twenties that was pretty difficult, one was a full-time at a rural church with my growing family, and now I am full-time in rural context with a larger church as my family continues to grow.
Just a few of my own experiences:
Part-time gigs were incredibly helpful for hands-on training for me from age 19 to 23. Then the first full-time was incredibly difficult, but I had a lot to learn, so I am grateful for the experience. The second full-time was almost a time of healing for me (and especially for my wife), but I suspect God moved us when He did away from there because they would have had trouble making sure I kept my family fed for the long-term.
Now, because of a great fit, a healthy ministry, enough food on the table, a solid staff, and many other reasons, this feels so much like the place I could retire from one day. My oldest daughter is in kindergarten, and I am combo children plus youth plus college, and my goal is to see my own children graduate from college here in this body of Christ.
But I also feel strongly that you don’t tell God what you will and won’t do, because we follow Him, rather than our own ideals. The surest way for God to move me to the mission field in Africa is to say that I won’t do that! So, Lord, I will follow You wherever, but help me to really bloom where You plant me!!
Wow talk about responses!! Love the conversation. Didn’t get to read all of them, but wanted to add that I am just finishing my first official ministry calendar year! Pop the bottle and time time to celebrate!
Anyway, one thing i wanted to add is the realization that many of us in ministry positions aren’t always CALLED places. I know many people and myself included that God made it very clear to go where we are. However, sometimes God just says, “Make a wise choice and live with it.” With that in mind, our initial ministries aren’t always where God has for us for the long hall.
Finally, i do believe there are times when you have done all you can do in one location. Sometimes you can only lead people so far before someone else needs to bring them the rest of the way. I know most of this sounds like leaving is ok, but just want to show both sides.
I totally agree that staying for the long hall is where real change happens, but we have to remember God has more in mind that just OUR ministry. We has the BODY of christ in mind and we are just a small piece of it. Great post!
Great perspective, Josh. And yes, there was a TON of conversation . . . Which is really fun. Hope you are doing well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Stop back by soon.
Talk about a day late and a dollar short. I know this is a way late comment but there’s one element that I havent seen mentioned.
In a lot of ways we are groomed to roam. I’ll explain a little bit.
This july will complete my first full year as youth pastor here at KCBC. Before that I volunteered here with my wife leading middle school ministry. Before that volunteered as part of the youth leader team at a small church back in AZ.
In AZ is where I finally submitted to God’s call on my life. (After trying to outrun God for 10 years I might add) I become involved in a sort of quiet in the background kinda way. But God had other plans. When I surrendered my Pastor met with me and spoke with me. He explained that I would move around a lot and end up in a senior pastor role. That thats what youth pastors do. Then we moved to TN 6 months after I first started volunteering there. We started volunteering here with the middle school ministry and were doing that for about a year when the youth pastor moved and they told me I was the interim youth pastor now, but they arent looking for a new one. It was intimated to me that I would be here for a while but eventually would move on. The senior pastor has had a similar past, no more than 5 years at one church. This just seems to be the norm for pastors in general.
Shift to the secular side. From grade school thru high school we were taught to never settle. Always look for the bigger better deal. We are taught to jump jobs alot because “How do you know what you want to do or where you want to do it if you dont try alot of differnt things?” Change jobs and change jobs often. Thats what we’re taught from the time we are small children. Teachers in my high school went as far to tell us to date a lot of different people through high school and college. Play the field, sample everything, taste it all, then when you’re done settle down. Whether we like it or not, this filters over into ministry. Try this church, try this denomination, try this setting, jump around but dont get too attached because we need to remember to try everything and eventually settle down.
I know its kinda long winded but this is what jumped into my mind when I read this post.
Blessings
Andy,
Here is an article I wrote a few years ago about longevity (or the lack of it) in youth ministry – Pushing Through http://j.mp/kVn2vO – It doesn’t surprise me that we are on the same page on this issue.
I am one of those people who sees the big picture. I have been in big churches and small churches, and they present different situations. I wanted to share what I have seen in a small church. The youth is the vital, living, growing part of all the ministries in this small church. We can have as many on Wed night youth (nearly) as Sunday service. And I do have a heart for the youth, having a 24 and 16 year old at home.
We have a very special unofficial leader who has now moved on and this is a great loss for the church. She has the gift of administration and she elevates the function of each and every youth to their best limit, growing them up in ministry. In other words, she is only a guide for the activities. The youth are the leaders she guides. By the time they graduate high school, they are well prepare to share their faith with anyone and many go on to ministry leadership jobs once they have graduated.
This woman uses her contacts and skills to shoot the youth as a whole into projects, preparing them on their way, so that when they get there they do not see it just as a social event with their friends. They really are ministers of the Word to the lost.
Her husband is a music minister, and he works very well with the youth too, planning games, competitive achievements, and just loving on them and being a man of God in their presence.
I wish more of the youth groups that I have seen could see this vision of having a youth leadership driven youth department. When they are at school or just in their daily lives, they are attracting youth to the church. They know the Word, and they know how to live it. They do believe in abstinence, believe it or not. They hold each other accountable. The adults that are involved are present for any opportunity at problem solving or ministering to as the youth needs come up.
This method allows for deep, rich relationships between adults and youth; lifetime relationships.
Thanks for letting me share.
I agree wholeheartedly with “longevity” being the best thing in ministry. I grew up in an Air Force family and we were fortunate to stay on the same base until my father retired and then we moved from California to Washington state.
I am currently a Youth Pastor in the southern California area and I honestly love every part of it. I have encountered the typical feelings of being away from family (who are all still in Washington State); the feelings of tiredness; and the thoughts of “How could a teenager do something so dumb?” All of this has not caused me to want to jump ship.
However, my family and I find ourselves in an interesting place now – we are in a smaller church, in the southern California area. And as much as I believe in sacrifices, it is very difficult to raise a family in the area that I live in when the financial situation is not improving. And some might think it non-spiritual to base decisions on finances; that’s where I disagree.
I love everything about where I am and about what I am doing now. I have no impulse to make this position a “springboard” to “greener pastures,” but the reality is that, my role as a youth pastor here in my current church would be obsolete in the upcoming months and I would have to transition to Assistant roles. Can I do that? Sure. But my heart is still to work with young people.
So, I don’t know if it’s always a question of longevity but sometimes a question of reality. We are not of this world, but we live in this world and we have to deal with the scenarios of the world as they come – economic downturns, natural disasters, family crisis.
What I would like to hear more on is how to deal with the realities of ministry and our economy.
I could be wrong, but I think there is a healthy balance between longevity and knowing when to move on!
does the church view the youth ministry as an obsolete ministry or one that “anyone can do” hence, not a professional job. Do we paint outselves out of the professional corner by our actions. I feel for you in SoCal. Need funds to make ministry work, and if we don’t/cant sell ourselves or if the church has different values, i think we are lost and end up on the short end.
I am a Bible college student about to finish up my last semester. I am getting a degree in Christian Ministries w/ a minor in student ministry with hopes and a calling from God to be a full-time student pastor at a local church. I am a total local church guy! Shouldn’t we all be? God works in this age through the church, specifically through local churches as we all make up the universal church. I loved what you said about the local church!
I also see another problem that you didn’t mention. I know many guys who use the “student pastor” role as a stepping stone to be a assistant pastor or a senior pastor. I have a very strong dislike for that! We need student pastors who have a true heart for youth and are called by God to be in the student pastor role. Don’t get me wrong, I know many great senior pastors who were great youth pastors, but it is a shame that some use the student pastor role as a stepping stone. Thats not healthy for the students or the church. I would like to hear others thoughts on this?
Austin, I couldn’t agree with you more. One of our contributors, Richard Parker, has been a youth pastor for 30 years. And he’s one of the best youth pastors I know. I know another youth pastor in Tennessee who is in his 32 year. His students LOVE him. Look at Doug Fields! Who doesn’t think Doug could have successfully pastored a church? I believe youth pastors are in incredibly unique positions to encourage and equip students, parents, and other adult church members as well. When youth workers see their position as a stepping stone, it drives me nuts.
Of course, you are exactly right: many pastors were once youth ministers, and it’s just a part of their spiritual journey. But the stepping stone mentality is a huge ministry stepping stone.
Ha! Can you tell you struck a nerve?
Thanks for stopping by Austin. Good luck with your last semester!
Seems like we are on the same page about this. Thanks for the reply!
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” I think youth pastors are susceptible to this more than most. They are often ideologues who think that just being in a certain role in a church is good enough and warrant special favor. I’ve had lunch with some recently who vocally espoused this view. Water calm = gods blessing, water rough = god’s curse.
I also agree that ymin isnt about the stepping stone to the pulpit in big church, even if we make it that. Just graduating seminary i’ve heard many pastors speak out against it. Our homiletics prof, wise man said, it would be better for you to find a rural church and practice preaching and being a pastor there, that way you have audience and a context, changing those you change the entire message.
Looking for my first post seminary position, I’m praying for longevity. I want to make a long term impact at one place for a long time.
The statement you said at the end (“Looking for my first post seminary position, I’m praying for longevity. I want to make a long term impact at one place for a long time”) is right on! I am about to be done with undergrad and will be looking for a youth ministry job (and doing seminary on the side) and I am praying and striving for longevity as well.
Hey!
I’m finishing my 3rd year of full time ministry, after 1 year of part-time and 3 years of volunteer youth ministry at the same church. Together, I just graduated my first ‘cycle’ of students last may and it has taught me a lot. As I try to maintain contact with those students now, I see where I connected, and where (who) I missed. Without that long-term picture, I’d probably still be ministering to teens the way I was when these guys were in 8th grade, which would be a huge mistake.
At the same time, I can see 2 reasons that would encourage someone to move after completing a cycle.
1) It is tempting to think, “I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the last 7 years. I’d like to start over, hit the restart button, and try again to see if I can take what I’ve learned and do better.” That sounds much easier than trying to work with what I’ve created. I’m not saying that sounds honorable. But it is tempting.
2) I also would say that at some point in ministry, a change is necessary. It is well-accepted that it can be very unhealthy spiritually for both a senior pastor and a church when the pastor stays too long. They say the peak ministry phase is 7-11 years. Granted, some pastors are able to step back and see that their church needs a new pastor and manages to get out of the rut to become the new pastor that the church needs. But I understand that this is the exception, not the rule. In most cases, a move is necessary and healthy, after such a long tenure.
I suspect that this applies to youth ministry too.
I find that I am also tempted to stay in the same place out of comfort, and to stop seeking where God might move me. I wonder, when God does want me to move, will I trust Him enough to listen?
Great thoughts, Chris. Thanks for sharing!
Andy,
I know I’m “late” on this, but this blog post really got me. I actually wrote my own blog post about what a “cycle” in youth ministry should be, if there is to be one at all. I’ve always believed that you should see your youngest class graduate. Easier said than done.
I’m in my first part-time ministry gig, and quite frankly, I don’t think they deserve any less than 6 years of me, but I don’t feel like I can give them that. They pay is low, my wife wants to go to grad school, and our location/salary can’t really do either of those.
Obviously it’s God’s call above all, but these youth go through a new youth pastor every 2-3 years, and to me, that’s just not fair. The church can’t afford a full time youth minister, but we get close to 40 kids attending youth every week pretty regularly.
Thoughts?
Tom, First, thanks for stopping by the blog! Second, I’m encouraged by your heart for students. It’s obvious you care about them and their lives as followers of Christ. Where to start with the rest?
While I think we all would say that longevity is ideal, there are obviously factors that will influence change, even in the life of someone like yourself who values staying put for the sake of consistency in your student’s lives. In these situations, I believe you seek God’s will for your life and allow Him to lead you as He will. My advice would be to make decisions based on God’s economy and not the world’s. If God is leading you and your wife to move on, it will be clear. If He wants you to be where you are, He will provide for you in ways that only He can. That advice is worth what you paid for it! 
Keep us updated. I’ve said a prayer for you already, simply that God would lead you and that you would follow. God bless you and your ministry!