Ok so I throw this out because it has been the topic of my last day hear in Princeton. We spent a lot of time talking today in our groups about what things a youth worker needs to know in order to be effective. Clearly there are many ways of answering this question and based on your own bent you will have different answers. But, I would be stoked if some of you who read this would take a stab at giving me some of your answers.
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Teens love backwards hats and pizza. And Lil’ Wayne.
Okay, seriously though.
Two of the top qualities (I believe) in effective ministry to students is one, a constant spirit of learning. The more we consider ourselves students of student culture and theology, the more we keep a relatability and a freshness with students and with God. Second, I believe that there is never a replacement for time spent with students in relationship. Most students crave the input and approval of the adults in their life, even if they blow you off.
1) Parents are your best friends or your worst enemies – it’s your choice.
It’s not about you. We’re all screwed up, but God uses us anyway. Come to grips with this and remember it both when you’re successful and when you’re afraid you’re about to get canned.
2) You won’t like every kid and every kid won’t like you – so find volunteers who bring different gifts/talents/passions so you can widen your net.
3) Perceived needs get them in the door, real needs get them out the door – and eventually, they’re going out the door, so you better equip them to live in the real world & have their real needs met by Jesus – Pizza parties & broomball aren’t all there is.
4) Learn to say “I’m sorry” “I was wrong” “Please help me” – to your boss, to your volunteers & to the kids – sometimes all at once. They’ll actually respect you more.
5) Be careful, be safe – dead is dead and no matter how awesome the trip was or how funny the gag, explaining how it ended up in tragedy to a parent just isn’t worth it.
6) FIND a circle of friends outside Youth Ministry – friends that remind you you’re not as funny as you think, friends that remind you it’s ok to take a day off, friends who are mature enough to care about you, for you and not because they have a crush on you or want to grow up to be you.
7) Find a place you fit and stick it out – nothing says Jesus loves you like someone who’s around long enough to say it more than once. Longevity is worth its weight in gold.
9) What you feed grows & what you starve dies. You can’t be effective without having your own relationship with Christ. You don’t have to be a superstar (see #8) but if you’re not growing, you can’t model growth. You can’t model an active faith if you don’t have one and eventually the message will get old.
10) Get married & have kids. Nothing says “I’m a healthy individual” like a spouse and kids – to youth & parents, especially if you’re a guy. Give them the evidence that at least one person on the face of the earth will vouch for you. And it helps you create healthy boundaries.
11) Fall in love with God, again.
I just came up with these off the top of my head – I dunno if they’re helpful or not, but at 3:57pm on June 10, that’s what I’d tell prospective youth leaders.