TipstoHelpYouBecomeaGreatYouthLeader
ByRodWhitlock
Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader
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Dedicatedtothethousandsofyouthworkerswhosacrificiallygiveinsomanywaystoreachteenagers.Thankyouinnowayconveysmysinceregratitudeforyourministry.MaytheLordstrengthenyouinyoureffortsandmayyouexperiencehislove
andgraceinimmeasurableways!
AllScripturequotations,unlessotherwiseindicated,aretakenfromtheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®,NIV®.Copyright©1973,1978,1984,2011byBiblica,Inc.™UsedbypermissionofZondervan.Allrightsreservedworldwide.www.zondervan.comThe“NIV”and“NewInternationalVersion”aretrademarksregisteredintheUnitedStatesPatentandTrademarkOfficebyBiblica,Inc.™Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopy,recording,orotherwise,withoutthepriorpermissionoftheauthor,exceptasprovidedforbyUSAcopyrightlaw.PhotoCredit:http://www.gratisography.comandhttps://picjumbo.comCopyright©2015RodWhitlock
ContactInfo:RodWhitlock
Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader
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Iaskedseveralnewandseasonedyouthleadersfromacrossthecountrythefollowingquestions.WithinthiseBookaretheirincrediblyvaluableresponses.
WhatIWishedSomeoneWouldHaveToldMeBeforeStarting 4‐9 WhatResourcesDoYouNeedtoBeMoreEffective 10‐14 WhereIFindMostoftheStudentMinistryInformationIUse15‐16WhatIEnjoyMostAboutStudentMinistry 17‐19TheAreaofStudentMinistryIStruggleWithMost 20‐27WhatAreSomeHandySermonPreparationTips 28‐30ThingsYouWon’tRegretWhileinStudentMinistry 31‐32AdditionalResources 33‐36
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“FOCUSONBUILDINGRELATIONSHIPSWITHSTUDENTS.”Teensareallaboutrelationships.Theytalk,text,anddaydreaminandaboutrelationships.Manyattendbecauseafriendinvitedthem.Manyleavebecauseofabadrelationship.Therefore,relationshipsarekeytoyourbecomingagreatyouthleader.
Hereareafewideasforbuildingrelationshipswithstudents.
1. Textorengagethemonsocialmediaeachweek.It’sagoodideatohaveasocialmediapolicyforyouthleadersaspartofyouryouthworkerapplication.Wewilldiscussasocialmediapolicylater.
2. Callthem.Irealizemostteensdon’ttalkonthephonemuchbutgettingacall
fromaleaderisabigdeal.Makesuretoleaveamessageiftheydon’tanswer.Makeitfunandencouraging.Whoknowstheymaykeepthemessageforyears!
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3. Writethemanote;sendthemapostcardviasnailmail.Allright,nowI’mdatingmyself,buteveryoneenjoysgettingnotesinthemail.
4. Grabacoffeewiththem.NeedIsaymore?Whatteen(oryouthleader)doesn’t
likecoffeethesedays?
5. Inviteafewteenstoyourhousefordinner.(Secureparent’spermissionfirst.)Betteryet,makedinnertogetherandtheneat.
6. Attendtheirschoolactivities.Youmaynotbeabletoseeoneoftheirgamesor
concerts,butyoumaybeabletoattendoneoftheirpractices.Takepicturesandtagthemsotheyknowyouwerethere.
7. Taketimebeforeandafteraservicetosayhelloandaskteensabouttheirday.
8. Makeopportunitiesforstudentstoserve.Thisletsthemknowtheyareonyour
radarandyou’vebeenthinkingaboutthem.Letthemknowyoubelievetheycandothejob.Mostteenswanttoserveandbeapartofwhatishappening.Tapintothis.
9. Taketimetoteachthemalifeskill.Manyteensdon’tknowbasiclifeskills.
Takingtimetoteachthemafewlet’sthemknowyoucareaboutthemasindividuals.Inviteagroupoverandteachthemseveralskillsatonce.Thenhavethegrouphelpeachother.
Afewskillstohelpyougetstartedinclude;computerskills,sewingabutton,howtotieatie,baking,basicselfdefense,howtodolaundry,checkingtirepressure,applyingmake‐up,filloutajobapplication,cutfruit/vegetables,balanceacheckbook,fixarunningtoilet,whattodoifyougetinacaraccident,iron,jumpstartacar,exerciseprogram,applytocollege,etc…
10. Dodevotions/praytogether.
Whenaskedthisquestion,oneyouthleaderputitthisway.
“Buildingrelationshipsaremoreimportantthanpreachingthemosteloquentmessage.”
Toquoteafamiliarstatement,“Peopledon’tcarehowmuchyouknowuntiltheyknowhowmuchyoucare.”
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“FINDBALANCEBETWEENLIFEANDMINISTRY.”Manyayouthleaderwillplanyoutheventsseveralweeksormonthsinadvance.Fewtakesimilarstepsinplanningtheirpersonallifeandmarriage.Hereareafewbalancingsteps. Keeptheromancefiresburning!Askyourwifeoutonadate.I’vebeenmarriedformorethan30yearsandstillaskmybrideout.Mostofthetimeshesays,‘yes!’Planningyoutheventsseveralweeksinadvanceandnottakingtimetoplanaheadonyourmarriageandfamilyissuretocatchupwithyou. Planyourcalendaroutatleastsixmonthsinadvance.Beginbyrecordingallchurchandyouthactivities.Nextfillinanymajorschoolactivities(youcanfindtheseontheschoolwebsite).Recordholidays,familyactivities,andpersonalevents(schoolassignments,jobrelatedevents,etc.)Notethebusyseasons.Youmayhaveoneweekwithtwoorthreemajorthingstakingplace.Youcanrelievesomeofthepressurebygettinganotherleadertodothemessagethatweek.Ifyou’reattendingschoolandhaveapaperdue,forexample,haveanotherleaderplanouttheactivitiesforthatweek.Usetheweekswhenthereislesstodotocatchupand/orplanahead.Inotherwords,onceyouhaveeverythingonyourcalendaryouwillbebetterprepared.Attheendofeachmonth,planoutthenextmonth.Inthiswayyoualwaysstaysixmonthsoutinyourplanning. Delegateasmanyresponsibilitiestootherleadersasyouareable.AsIbuiltmyteamIwasabletohaveeveryareaofouryouthservicedelegatedexceptthespeaking.Ihadaleaderplantheopeningactivity,aleaderoverseetheworship,aleaderresponsibleforregisteringvisitors,aleaderoverthesound/lights,andsoon.InthiswayIwasabletofocusmyenergiesonthemessageandhangingoutwiththestudents. Securingpeopleinyourlifetocoachyouinspecificareaswillgiveyougreatercapacity.Forexample,youmayhavesomeoneinthechurchwhocanmentoryouwithfinances,timemanagementskills,healthylivingorhomeprojects.Thisinvestmentcertainlyhelpsbysavingyoutimeinthelongrun.Younowhavemoretimetodevotetofamilyandministry.
“YOUWON’THAVEALLTHEANSWERS.”Believeitornotyouwon’thavealltheanswersandpleasedon’ttrytohavethemall.Lifeisajourney.Journeywithyourstudentstogetheranddiscoveranswerstogether.Realizethattherearemanyquestionsyouwillnevergetanswers.ShowingstudentsthatyoucontinuetotrustGodinthemidstofnothavingalltheanswerswillmeanagreatdealtostudentsintheirownjourney.
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RecentlyIhadayoungleaderprayformeinfrontofagroupofotherleaders.HethankedGodthatIwasnotagoodexample.ImustadmitIwasabittakenbackbythisuntilhecontinuedpraying.HethankedGodthateventhoughIhadrecentlygonethroughaseriousofsurgeries,medicalexpenses,andnojob,thatIcontinuedtotrustGod.Inotherwords,Ididn’thaveitalltogetherbutstillbelievedthatGodhaditalltogether.Thisgavehimhope!Studentswillcomewithyouwithquestionsastowhytheirparentsaregettingdivorced,whytheirfriendsayshe/sheishomosexual,whatisGod’swillfortheirlife,whydoothersbullyme,whyisitsohardtoforgive,whyismybrothersosick,etc…?It’sallrighttosay,“Idon’tknow,butlet’scontinuetohelpeachotherduringourjourney.”
Hereareafewthingsyoucandotohelp.
o Networkwithotheryouthleaders.Askthemforadvice.o Findamentor.Perhapsthereissomeoneinyourchurchwhoisanexpertina
specificarea.IstheresomeonewhodealswithADHDorotherdisabilities?o Readblogs,booksandarticlestoguideyou.o Buildateamaroundyou.Oneideaistoassignouttoeachleaderaspecificareathey
aretoresearchandthenshareinsightswiththeotherteammembers.Oneyouthleadersharedthefollowing.
“This(beingayouthleader)isreallyhardbutyoucandoit.”
Somethingsinlifeareworthdoing.Youwillneverregretpouringyourlifeintoothers.Don’tgiveup.Therewillbedays,mostlyThursdaysorthedayafteryouryouthservicethatyouwillwanttoquit.Don’t!Everyonehasan‘offnight.’Determinetostayinforthelonghaul.You’llbegladyoudid–believeme.
“UNDERSTANDTHEVISIONOFTHECHURCHANDYOURLEADPASTOR’SEXPECTATIONS.”
Thenumberonereasonpeoplegetfrustratedisbecauseofunmetexpectations.Weeitherdon’tknowwhattheexpectationsareorwefailedtomeetthem.Hereareafewsuggestionstohelpyouwiththis.
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Getthevisionofthechurchinwriting.Thisensuresthateveryoneisonthesame
pageandisahandyreminderforyouasyoumoveforward.Remindyouryouthleadersofthevisionofthechurchonaregularbasis.
Makesurethevisionfortheyouthministrycomplimentsandwalkshand‐in‐handwiththevisionofthechurch.Thechurchand,inmostcases,thepastorwillbetherelongerthanyou.Theyouthministryistosupporttheoverallministry,nottheotherwayaround.
SitdownwithyourPastorandaskhim/herwhattheexpectationsare.Askhimthis
question.“HowwillIknowI’vebeensuccessfulinyoureyes?”Inotherwords,whatexactlyareyoulookingforinayouthministerandyouthministry?
Tieinthevisionandexpectationswhenaskingpermissiontodoaneventorsharing
ontheoutcomeofanevent.Doingsogivesawellthoughtoutpurposefortheeventandyouaremorelikelytohavethepastor’sblessingandmakeiteasiertosecurefutureevents.
Call,textoremailallincidentstohimbeforeanyoneelseletshimknow.Younever
wantyourpastortocallyouaboutsomethingthatheshouldhaveheardfromyou.
“THELONGERYOUARETHERE,THEMOREFRUITYOUWILLSEE.”
Toomanyyouthleadersleavetoosoon.Oneyouthleaderputitthisway…“Yearonecanbeatoughyear,butbyyearthreethingsstarttomoveforward.”
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Stickingitouthasseveralbenefits.Hereareafew. Parents,studentsandchurchleaderstrustyoumorethelongeryouarethere.
Youareforcedtogrow.It’smucheasiertobeatfivechurchesfortwoyearseach,
thanbeatonechurchfor10.Beingatthesamechurchforcesyoutostayfresh,developbetterprogramsandkeepcurrentinyourpreaching.
Developdeeperrelationshipswithyourpastor,leadersandindividualsinthechurch.
Seestudentsbecomeleadersinyouryouthministryandinthechurch.Onceyoufinallydohandofftheyouthministry,youhanditoffinmuchbettershapethanyouwouldifyouwereonlythereforayearortwo.Ofcourse,simplystayinglongerisnoguaranteeofthis,butthelongeryoustayinplacethemorepossibilitiesthereareforthenextyouthleader.
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“MENTORING.”Mostwouldn’tthinkthatmentoringwouldbeconsideredaresourceforthelocalyouthleaderbutseveralrespondedbysayinghavingamentoristheonethingtheyneedtobemoreeffective.Youmaynotbeabletofindanindividualwhoiswillingorabletospendtimementoringyouinaface‐to‐facemeetingbutthereareseveralwaysyoucanbenefitinamentoringrelationship. Books–Don’tunderestimatethementoringpossibilitiesfoundthroughreading.Manytopleaderspointtoreadingasthenumberonewaytheygrowintheirpersonalandministrylife.BeginbydoingasearchontheInternetoftopyouthministryorpersonalgrowthbooksoraskotheryouthleaderswhatbook(s)havemadeadifferenceintheirlife. Podcasts–Technologyhasallowedustohaveaplethora(Ilovethisword)oftopcommunicatorsaddressingrelevantissuesatourdisposal.
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Webarticles–Withinsecondsyou’llfindhundredsofcurrenttrendarticlesontheweb.Notimetolookoverallofthem?Iunderstand.Whynotassignouttoeachofyourleaderstoreadonearticleaweekandshareashortsynopsiswiththeotherteammembers?Asyoucollectarticles,stats,trends,youcanfilethemawayinasermonfiletohelpasyoupreparemessagesinthefuture.I’lldiscussthisabitintheSermonPrepsection. Leadercohorts–Myfavoritementoringapproach.Gatherwithotheryouthleadersonceamonthtodiscusspersonalandministryissues.Spendsometimeprayingforeachother.
“ACCOUNTABILITY.”Anotherresourcethatcametothesurfacewasaccountability.Toomanyyoungleadersareafraidtodiscusstheirstrugglesandasaresultspendagreatdealoftheirtimebattlingtemptationalone.TherearemanygreatFREEsoftwareprogramsouttheretohelpyouifyouareunabletofindsomeonetohelp.Whenitcomestobeingaccountableinministrymakessureyourleadpastoristheonetowhomyouremainaccountable.Here’sasuggestionforyou. OnMondayemailyourpastorlettinghimknowwhatyou’llbecoveringthatweekintheyouthministryservice.Thisletshimknowyou’rereadyandhelpsyouinyourplanning.Additionally,makesureyourpastorknowsyourministrycalendarforthemonthlistingouteachactivityanditspurpose.Don’tforgettofollow‐upwiththeresults.Howmanyguests?Howmanyprayedaprayerofsalvation?Howmanyattended?Doyourbesttomakesureyourpastorhearsthegoodtoo!Thisproactiveapproachgoesalongwayinbuildingtrust.
“TEAMOFCOMMITTEDLEADERS.” Thisoneshouldseemveryobvioustoeveryonewhohasservedinyouthministry.AgoodteammakesallthedifferenceinthesuccessofyourministryHowdoyoudevelopsuchateam?Greatquestion.
HereAreSomeThoughts
Value–Askthemhowthey’redoing.Occasionallygivethemanightoff,beforetheyneedit.Mentiontootherleadersandstudents,whatagreatjobtheydid.
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Celebrate/Appreciate–Onceayearhaveaspecialnighttohonoryourleaders.Surprisethemwithasmallgiftorcardtoshowyourappreciation.
Challenge–Expressyourthanksandthenchallengethemtothenextlevelof
leadership.Beboththeirbiggestcheerleaderandcoach.Pray–Goeswithoutsaying,butI’llsayit,pray.
Manypotentialadultleadersdon’thavethequantityoftimetodevotetostudentministry.Manyyouthministrieshavedevelopedvariouslevelsofleadershiptocombatthis.Hereisoneexampleofwhatthislookslike.
Level1areleaderswhohelpwithbigeventsorspecialoutings.
Level2areleaderswhohelpwithactivitiesandattendtheyouthservice.
Level3areleaderswhoareateverything.Don’tforgettohaveeveryyouthleaderfilloutavolunteerministryapplicationandbackgroundcheck.Youcanfindgreatexamplesandhelpsonline.
‐CheckyourlocalChristianbookstoreoronlineforideasandresources. ‐Developyourown.Thisisnotasdifficultasitsounds.Makequestionsfromyourweeklymessageforsmallgroupleaderstoask. ‐Doaverse‐by‐versestudythroughoneofthegospels. ‐Considerpurchasingasmallgroupcurriculum.Sharethecostwithafewotheryouthministries.Thisallowseachgrouptousethesamematerialandshareinthecost.
MaterialsGroupSmall
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Imustsoundlikeabrokenrecordbynow,buttheInternetisfilledwithhundredsofgamesforsmall,mediumandlargegroups.Makesuretoassignthisouttothatoneleaderonyourteamthatiscrazyfun!Finally,don’tthinkyouhavedogameseverynightoreverytimeyougettogether.
Haveasocialmediapolicythatthechurchleadershipisonboardwithandincludethisinyourvolunteerministryapplication.Findhelpsondevelopingyourchurchessocialmediapolicyonline.
HereAreAFewQuestionsToConsider. “Canleaderscontactstudentsorbefriendswiththemthroughsocialmedia?” “Doyouwantyouryouthministrytohaveasocialmediapageforstudentstointeractwithandgetinformationfrom?”
“Whowillberesponsibleforthis?”
“Isthereanoverallchurchsocialmediapolicy?”
IdeasGame
PolicyMediaSocial
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Youmaywanttohaveyourpastorandchurchboardlookoveranysocialmediapolicyyouhaveestablished.Thelastthingyou,yourpastororchurchwanttodealwithisaninappropriatepostononeofyoursites. Assignaleaderyoutrusttomonitoryoursocialmediaaccounts.
Postupdatesthatpromoteactivities.
Shareupdatesfollowinganevent.
Askstudentswhatsocialmediatheyuseandwhattheywanttoseeonyoursites.
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Therearemanygreatyouthministriesouttherethatcanhelpyoufindmorehelpsandresourcesthanyoucouldeveruse.Again,ifyou’relikemostyouthleaderstheissueisnothavingenoughinformationoutthere;itisfindingenoughtimetosearchforit.I’velistedafewhelpsthatI’veusedinthepasttohelp.
DISTRICTORNETWORKMosteverychurchbelongstoalargernetwork.Theseleadersaretheretohelpyoubesuccessfulatthelocallevel.Additionally,manyoftheseministriesofferusefulandseveralFREEresources!
http://youthleaderscoach.com https://prezi.com(Presentationsoftware) http://videosforstudentministry.com
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https://www.fiverr.com(Designsandawholelotmore)http://youth.ag.orghttp://youthspecialties.comhttp://minhubapp.com(Ministrydatabaseapp)http://www.simplyyouthministry.comhttp://youthministry.comhttp://www.jotform.com(Themeforms)
http://thesource4ym.comhttp://www.downloadyouthministry.com
http://www.churchleaders.com/youth http://www.churchstagedesignideas.com
Don’tForget!Tapintoyouthleadersfromotherchurches.MostIknowaremorethanwillingtohelpoutafellowyouthworker.
And…Students.Askyourstudentsforideas,trends,andfeedback.Afterall,thereasonwearedoingthisisforthem.
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“BUILDINGRELATIONSHIPSWITHSTUDENTS.”Oneyouthleaderwrotebeingoncampuswithstudentswasoneoftheirfavoritethingstodoandplacestohangoutwithstudents.Ilikethatthisleaderrecognizestheneedtobeintheworldofthestudent.It’stherethatthebestrelationshipsarebuilt.
“SEEINGSTUDENTSEXPERIENCEGOD.” Manyyouthleadersmentionedthisone!Nosurprisehere.
Usemultipleeventsandactivities
Perhapsitgoeswithoutsayingbutallowtimeforaltarexperiences.Don’tassumethatjustbecauseyou’reatayoutheventthiswilltakeplace.Beproactive.Ifyoudon’thelpthemexperienceGod,whowill?
TalkwithstudentsaboutGodAnytimeImetwithastudentIalwayshadacoupleofquestionstoaskthemwhilewehungout.Onewasalways,“howareyouandJesusdoing?”
AskstudentshowtheyexperienceGodoutsideofchurchDon’tlimittheirexperiencestochurchoryouthoutings.AskhowtheyexperienceGodoutsideofthesetimes.Iftheydon’tknowtheanswer,itwillatleastmakethemawarethattheycanencounterGodanytimeandtheyaremorelikelytoanticipateitnexttime.Forexample,youmayaskthemhowtheyexperiencedGodwhileonvacationorwhileatthemallorwhileatschool.
“WATCHINGSTUDENT’SBETRANSFORMED.” Taketimeinyourleadershipgatheringstosharestoriesofhowstudentsarebeingchanged!Sharingstorieswillencourageyourleadershipteamandstrengthenthemtocontinuethejourney.Plusit’sjustfuntohearwhatGodisdoinginteen’slives.
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“SEEINGSTUDENTSGROWINTHEIRFAITH.” Thisjustdoesn’thappenbecauseyouhaveaweeklyyouthservice.It’snecessarytodevelopaplanforthistohappen.Mapoutonyouryearlyplanningcalendarseasonswherestudentswillbechallenged.It’sbeensaid,“youcan’tgrowwhatyoucan’tmeasure.”Inotherwords,makesureyoucanmeasurewhatgrowthlookslike.
HowarestudentsgrowingintheirwalkwithChrist?Whatareyoudoingtomakethishappen?Howareyoucelebratingstudent’sgrowth?Howareotherleadersinteractingtohelpthestudentsgrowintheirfaith?Whatdostudentssharewhenitcomestohowtheyaregrowinginfaith?
Thesearejustafewquestionstoaskwhenconsideringhowstudentsaregrowing.
“MOBILIZINGSTUDENTSINTHEIRCALLFROMGOD.”
Here’sACoupleOfIdeas SpeakonGod’scall.
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Provideampleopportunitiesforstudentstoexperiencevariousaspectsofministry.ThisgivesthemabroadviewofpossibilitiesandroomfortheSpirittospeaktothem.
Havestudentstakeaspiritualgiftassessment.Youcanfindtheseonline.
Providestudentswithwaystheycanbeinvolvedinministryinthechurch.
ConnectparentsandstudentstoChristianUniversities,MissionOrganizations,Para‐
ChurchGroups,etc… HelpstudentsseeweareallcalledbyGodtofulfilltheGreatCommission.It’sjusta
matterofwhereandhow. Asyougettoknowstudentsandseeacallontheirlives,tellthemtheyhaveacallof
Godontheirlife.Challengethemtopursueit.OneofthebiggestreasonsI’minministrytodayisbecauseIhadpeopleinmylifewhoexpressedtheirbeliefthatGodhadcalledmetofull‐timevocationalministry.
Oneleadersharedthis.
“Imostenjoyseeingthestudentssavedandcalledtoministry.Whenastudentdiscoverstheircalling,theirworldchanges.IpraythatGodwoulddomoreintheheartsofthestudentsthansimplywhathappensduringaWednesdaynight
youthservice.”
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“CREATINGCULTUREWITHLEADERSHIPTEAM.”Culturedoesn’tjusthappen,nordoesitchangeovernight.Ittakestimetoseethefruitofyourlaborinministryandthisisonceagaintruewhenitcomestochangingthecultureofyourministry.Sadly,toomanyyouthleadersleaveforanotheryouthgrouporministrybeforeseeingthechangetheysetouttoaccomplish.Tocreateahealthycultureyoumustunderstandthatitisthepeoplewhocarrytheculturethroughoutthegroup.Lookforandgatherthemostcontagiousindividualsonyourteamandaskthemtohelpyoucarrythedesiredculturetotherestofyourgroup.AsIsaidabove,creatingculturedoesnothappenovernight,butitmayjustbethemostimportantthingyoudoasaleader.Itwilltaketimeandrequirebeingextremelyproactiveaboutchangingit.
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5StepsToCreatingACulture
Here’soneyouthleader’sresponse.
“Developingnewcultureswithmyleadershipteam.”*Iaddressthisveryissueofcultureinmybook,“CreatingaDiscipleshipCultureinYourYouthMinistry.”There’sinformationonhowyoucangetyourcopyattheendofthiseBook.
“TIMETOREST.”Perhapsthemostviolatedcommandmentofthe10isthecommandtorest.EvenGodrestedaftersixdaysofcreation!Justasyouplaneveryeventinyouryouthministryyouwillneedtoplanperiodsofrest.JesusmodeledthisinScripture,asyouwillfindversesindicatinghebrokeawayfromthecrowdtobealone.Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Youalreadyknowthatwearetorest.That’snottheissue.It’sfindingthetimetodoit!
Decidethecultureyouwishtocreate
Communicateitwithyourteam
Makesmallchangesoveraperiodof
time
Ensureeveryactivity
affirmstheculture
Don'ttrytoconvertotherstoyourculture.ConvertthemtoChrist
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HowToGetTimeBackOnYourSide
Withoutadoubtthetwomostimportantwordsinyourvocabularyare‘yes’and‘no.’Sometimesyouhavetosayno.Nomatterhowgiftedyouare,youwon’tbeabletodoeverythingwell.It’smuchbettertodoafewthingsgreat,thanmanythings,good.Learntosay,NO.Praybeforeyouaddmorethingstoyourcalendar.Sitdownwithyourspouseandleadershipteamtore‐evaluateyourcalendar.Iswhatyouhaveonthecalendarvitaltotheoverallsuccessofwhatyou’reattemptingtoaccomplish?Considersittingdownwithamentororfindingabookortakingaclassontimemanagement.Noticewhenyourleadersaretiredandneedabreak.Afteralongdayofministry,Jesusmadesurethedisciplesgottoaquietplacetoeatandrest. Mark6.30‐31“TheapostlesgatheredaroundJesusandreportedtohimalltheyhaddoneandtaught.31Then,becausesomanypeoplewerecomingandgoingthattheydidnotevenhaveachancetoeat,hesaidtothem,“Comewithmebyyourselvestoaquietplaceandgetsomerest.”(NIV)Sowtheseedsyouwishtoseesowninyourlife.
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“STAYINGINSPIREDANDKEEPINGMINISTRYFRESH.” Morethanoneyouthleaderexpressedthisstruggle.
“Theweek‐to‐weeksermonprep.”Ican’tbegintoexpresshowmuchIappreciatethevulnerabilityofthisresponse.It’stoughtostayinspiredoverthelonghaul.Realizeyouarenottheonlyonewhohasfeltthis.Everyyouthleaderhashadseasonswhenitwasdifficulttoprepareanothersermon,plananactivityormakeanothercalltoastudent.Grabaprayerpartner.Ihadagroupofladiesfromthechurchthatcommittedthemselvestoprayformyfamily,myministryandme.Theyofferedwordsofencouragementandsharedinsightsthatwerehelpfultome.Expandyourcreativitybyreadingand/ordoingthingsoutsideyournormalroutine.Doingsoheightenscreativity.Occasionally,changethingsup. Havethemessagefirstandthenworship. Visitanotheryouthgroupforfreshperspectiveandnewideas. Preachfromaremoteplaceandshowthevideoratherthandoitlive. Attendaconferencegearedtowardyouthministry. Breakintosmallgroupfordiscussionratherthanonelargegroup. Turntheroomaround.Speakfromthebackoftheroom. Getoutofthechurch.Visitstudents.Gotocampusevents. Sharestorieswithothersofhowyourstudentsaregrowingintheirfaith.Everysooften,planadaywhennothingisplanned.Sleepin,talkawalk,read,watchamovie,nap,listentomusic,etc.Spendthedaydoingunplannedthingsthatarerelaxing.Takeadrivetoanearbycityandspendthedayexploring.Exercise.Getthebloodflowingagainandbreakoutofthedoldrums.
“FEELINGLIKEI’MMAKINGADIFFERENCE.”Youare!Icantellyouafter30plusyearsofyouthministrythateverythingyoudoasayouthleadermakesadifferenceinthelivesofteens.YoumaynotseetheimmediatefruitbutIguaranteeyouwillexperiencechangedlivesinthemonthsandyearstofollow.
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“FOLLOWUP.”Makesureyougatherinformationfromnewstudentsateachevent. Assignastudentleadertocallortextthemwithin24hoursoftheevent.
Thankthemforcomingandgettoknowafewthingsaboutthem.
Connectwiththemagainwithintheweektoinvitethemback.
Followupatleastonceaweekoverthenexttwoweeks.
Duringmydaysasavolunteeryouthleaderwewerechallengedtocontacteverystudentinoursmallgroupeachweek.IwouldtakeMondaynightstocalleachmalestudent,whilemywifecalledeachfemalestudent.Occasionally,wewouldvisitstudentswhowehadn’tseeninawhiletoreconnect.Thebottomlineisyoumustmakefollowupahugepriority.Keepingastudentinvolvedisgenerallyeasierthangettingastudenttovisitforthefirsttime.
“OTHERCHURCHRESPONSIBILITIES.”Morechurchesarehiringlessstafftodomorework.Ofcourse,Ididn’tneedtotellyouthat,youalreadyknewthis.So,eitherpriortoacceptingthepositionorassoonasyoufinishreadingthiseBook,sitdownwithyourpastororaskhim/hertohelpyouprioritizeyourresponsibilities.Inotherwordswheredoesyouthministryfallwithinotherresponsibilities?Makesurebothofyouareonthesamepagewhenitcomestoexpectations.Themaincauseoffrustrationandindividualsleavingorbeingreleasedfromapositionisunmetorunknownexpectations.Onegoodaspectofhavingmultipleresponsibilitiesisitgivesyoumoreexperienceandbroadensyourgiftset.Thiscanproveextremelyvaluableinyournextassignment.
“ADMINISTRATIVE/ORGANIZED.”
Let’sLookAtAFewWaysToGetBetterOrganized.
1. Findsomeonewhohasthisgiftandcanhelpyouwiththeorganizationalsideoftheministry.
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2. Planoutweekbeforegettingintoofficefortheweek.IfoundthattheFridaybeforethenextweekwasagoodtimetoplanthenextweek.InthiswayIfocusedonwhatwasimportantandnecessaryratherthanonwhatcouldwait.
3. Keepadigitalfileforeacheventoractivity.Thenwhenthenextsimilareventcomesaroundyouhaveallthenecessaryforms,schedules,responsibilities,contactinformation,etcyouneed.
4. Developaserviceplannerforyouryouthservices.Thisincludes:WhosetstheroomWholeadsthegameoractivityWholeadsworshipWhodoessound/lightsWhomakesannouncements/offeringWhospeaksWhoworkssecurityWhogathersguestinformationWhocleansup…andsoon
Thisensureseachandeveryareaisaccountedfor,thuseliminatingoratleast,reducingunexpectedsurprises.
5. CCyourselfanyemailsthatneedfollowup.6. HaveasettimeeachweekforsermonprepandNOTonthesamedayyouspeak.
ChecktheSermonPrepchapterforsomeideasonthis.7. Makeabudgetsheetforeachevent.
Here’sasimpleexampleofone.INCOME:Numberofstudents________________X$______________=TotalIncome$________________
Expense Cost Vendor Phone#Transportation Tickets/Site/Event Food Supplies Promotion Lodging Other TOTAL$ Takethetotalofexpensesfortheactivityanddividethisbynumberofstudentsyouexpect.Iftotalcostis$900andyouhave30students,thecostis$30perstudent.OfCourseAlwaysUnderestimateOnIncomeAndOverEstimateOnExpenses.
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It’salwaysabetterideatotellyourpastoryoumademoneyonanevent,oratleastcoveredallexpensesthantellhimyoulostmoney.Keepingallthisinformationononefilehelpsyouasyouplanforsimilarevents.
HereAreSomeThoughtsOnBeingAGoodStewardOfTheFinances.
1. Discussthehistory,currenthandlingandfutureoftheyouthministrybudgetandfinanceswithyourpastor.Isthereaplaninplaceforabudget?
2. Askforthepreviousyear’sbudgetandcurrentyear’sprojectedbudget.
3. Meetwiththeindividualwhooverseestheyouthministrybudgettodiscusscorrectproceduresforpurchases.Arepurchaseordersneeded?
4. Whatwaysdoestheyouthministrygenerateincome?(Budget,offerings,fundraisers,etc…)
5. What’sthephilosophyontheyouthministryaskingformoneyfromindividualsin
thecongregation?(Missiontrips,camps,etc…)
6. Cantheyouthministryreceiveanofferingonceayearforyouthministrybudget?
7. Doesthechurchownavanorbusfortransportation?Doyouhaveadealeryouworkwithforrentals?Whataretherequirementsforwhocandrive?
8. Doesthechurchpayyourwayforeventsorconferences?Whataboutyourspouse?
9. Towhomdoyougiveyouthofferingsandincomeandwhokeepstrackofincomeandexpenses?
10. Aretherevendorsthechurchalwaysworkswithorcanyoulookforthebestdeal?
11. Howmuchadvancenoticedoyougivewhenrequestingacheckorpurchaseorder?
12. Iftheyouthministrymakesmoneycanitkeeptheexcessforfutureeventsorfor
improvingfacilitiesornewequipment?
13. Canyoucarryfundsoverintothenextyearordoesyourbudgetstartoveragain?
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“EVANGELISMANDINTEGRATINGNEWSTUDENTS.” Remember,wearelookingatareasyouthleadersstrugglewiththemost.Sohowcanyouthleadersfindsuccesswiththis? Makeevangelismapartofyourpersonallife.Tellstoriesofhowyou’rereaching
yourneighbors,friendsandco‐workers.Hopefully,ifyouworkinthechurch,youwon’thavetoreachyourco‐workers!
Astheyhearyoutellofyourownpersonalstruggles,fearsandhowotherscametoChrist,studentswillbegintoengagetheirfriends. Avoidmakingevangelismanevent.Nottosayyoucan’thaveevangelisticevents,but
rathermakeitapartofthecultureofyouryouthministry. HaveaVIProomforgueststoyouryouthministryandthestudentwhobrought
them.Haveafewsnacksorsmallgift.Onlythosestudentswhobroughtsomeonecanenterwiththeirguest.
Sitdownwithyourteamandcomeupwithafewideasonhowtointegratenew
students. Asknewstudentswhattheylikedanddidn’tlike.
Letthemknowyoulovedhavingthemandwouldlovehavingthembeapartofthe
group.Inotonlylovedthishonestresponse,butthinkitspeakstoandforsomanyincrediblevolunteeryouthleaders.
“Balanceandselfcare.Beingparttimeitcanbehardtoknowwheretoputmytime.DevelopingaleadershipteamthatIknowIcantrustareasoftheministrytohashelpedsomuch!Havingafulltimejoboutsideofyouthministryitcanalsobehardtofindthatbalanceinmyownlifeforselfcare.Iwanttobethehealthiestversionofmyselfspiritually,physically,andemotionally,thatisa
challengefulltimeorparttime,butitishardtobalanceafulltimejob,ayouthministry,andpersonallife.”
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HAVEAPLAN
SPEAKINSERIESIhavealwaysfounditbeneficialtospeakinseries.Sitdownwithyourleadershipteamandaskwhat10topicsneedtobeaddressedoverthecourseofthenextyear.Considersittingdownwithagroupofstudentsaswelltoaskthesamequestion.Planeachseriestobefourweeks,givingyou40weeksofmaterial.Theremaining12weekscanserveasindividualmessages,guests,nightsoffduetoholidays,etc…
ALLOWTHEPASSAGETOSPEAK
Ratherthanattemptingtofindseveralscripturestosupportthemessage,discoverapassageofscripturetosupportyourmessage.Inotherwords,allowthepassagetospeakthemessage.Everyonelovesagreatstory.Readthroughastoryandletthestorybringtheapplication.Let’slookatthestoryofDavidandGoliath,forexample. DavidwasobeyinghisfatherwhenGodusedhiminamightyway(1Samuel17.17‐19). DavidhadbeenpreparinghimselfforGod’sservicewhennooneelsewasaround(1Samuel17.34‐37). Youcan’twearsomeoneelse’sarmortofightin(1Samuel17.38‐40). David’sweaponwashisGod(1Samuel17.45‐47).
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Application:Howhaveyoubeenpreparingyourselfforthedayyoufacesomethingbiggerthanyourself?HowisGodourgreatestweaponagainsttheattacksoftheenemy.
KISSKeepisSuperSimple.Useyoursmallgroups,discipleshipclassesandone‐on‐onetimestodigdeeperintoScripture.
BEGINWITHENDINMINDThinkabouttheonethingyouwantstudentstowalkawaywithandworkbackwardsfromthere.UsingourDavidandGoliathexample,theonethingIwantisforstudentstoknowthatGodisontheirsideinthemidstofconflict.
USETOOLSWhenlookingatthetext,lookforkeywords,phrasesandimagesinthetext.Noteifwordsarerepeated.Next,takethesewordsorphrasesandscantheInternet.Typeintheword.Lookatdefinitions,articlesandimages.Oftenyouwillfindthiswillenhancecreativeaspectsandhelpyouthinkoutsidethebox.IalsolikeusingYouTubeforvideostohelpillustratethemessage.Again,usekeywordsorphrases.Typingin‘DavidandGoliath’givesyouseveralvideostohelp.UseagoodBiblesoftwareorstudyBible.Takeadvantageofthenotesandcommentary.I’vealsotypedin,‘Commentaryon1Samuel17’asanexample.Nocopying,ofcourse,butyou’llfindinsightsthatwillserveyouinputtingtogetheryourmessage.
AFEWTIPSAlwaysreviewthepreviousweekwhileinaseries.Why?Greatquestion.Thanksforasking.Noteveryoneattendseveryweek.Doingaquickreviewofwhereyou’vebeenhelpsremindeveryoneandcatchothersupwhomissedtheweekbefore.Doingsoalsomeansyouneedlesstimepreparingnewmaterialeachweek.Imighttakefiveminutesofa30‐minutemessagetoreview.ThismeansIneedprepare25minuteseachweekratherthan30.
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@RodWhitlock
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Keepfoldersforeachseriesyouplanondoingoverthenextyear.Asyoucomeacrossarticles,resources,illustrationsyousimplyputtheminthefolder.Whenitcomestimetoprepareyoupulloutthefolderandhaveseveralpiecestorefertoforhelp.YoumaybedoingadatingseriesinFebruary…whodoesn’t!?!?ButinJulyyoumaycomeacrossagreatillustration.FileitawaytopulloutinFebruary.ThismeanslesssearchinginFebruaryformaterial.Finally,bounceyoursermonoffstudents.Youcandothisinacoupleofways.Sendanoutlineorideatostudentsaheadoftimeaskingforideasorwhatsticksouttothem.Thishelpsyouconnectwithwheretheyareonaspecifictopic.Anotherideaistoaskstudentsafteramessagefortheirfeedback.Usetheirthoughtstocreateyourreviewforthenextweek.Eitherwayyouwin!
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INCLUDINGYOURFAMILYINYOURMINISTRY
Youwillneverregretmakingyourfamilyapartoftheministry.Travelwiththem,includetheminactivities,asktheiropinions,includeyourspouseintheplanning,andmostimportantly,lovetheminfrontofthestudents.
PRAYINGFORSTUDENTSConsiderkeepingaprayerjournallistingeverystudentwhoeverattendsoneofyouractivities.Makeacommitmenttoprayforthemthroughgraduation.
SHARINGGOD’SWORDWITHSTUDENTSWhetheryoudothisasamessage,smallgroup,orthroughsocialmediayouwillneverregretsharingthelivingWordwithstudents.
MEETINGWITHSTUDENTSAlthoughyoumayforgetwhoyoumetwithandwhy…they’llneverforget.
SEEINGSTUDENTSLIVESCHANGENothinglikeseeingastudentdevelopintoalovingfather,mother,minister,worker,disciple.
GROWINGASASERVANTLEADER
You’llnotgrowtiredofseeingGodleadyouandgiveyouopportunitiestouseyourgifts.
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SERVINGTHOSEWHOHAVENOTHINGTOGIVEBACKTOYOU
Therearefewthingsgranderthanseeingone’sownheartgrowintheareaofcompassion.
WORKINGWITHATEAMLifelongfriendsandco‐workersintheKingdom!
STAYINGLONGENOUGHTOSEEFRUITFeweverseethis.Staylongenoughtoexperienceitinyourownlife.
SERVINGYOURLEADERGodhonorsyouasyouhonorandservethoseinauthorityoveryou
SUPPORTINGPARENTSASTHEYRAISETHEIRTEENSMaybeoneofthemostdifficultjobsaparentwilleverhaveistoraiseateen.Yoursupportmeanstheworldandsowsgoodseedwhenyoufinallyhaveateen.
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I’dlovetogetyourfeedbackonthiseBook.
SimplyemailmeatContact@RW.com.Letmeknowifandhowthiswashelpful.LetmeknowifthereareothereBooksyou’dfindhelpfulinthefuture.ConnectwithRodatContact@RW.comtohavehimspeakatoneofyourevents.
Finally,Iwantyoutoknowabouttworesourcesavailabletoserveyouinyourministry.
Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader
@RodWhitlock
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Your youth group has a culture. It may be by design or by default but truth be told, the way your group engages is based on that culture. Creating a Culture contains 31 Strategies for making students into life-long followers of Jesus. It is filled with concepts and practical ideas to help you fulfill the call to see your students become active followers of Christ. AND…
Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader
@RodWhitlock
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PoWerWalk is a yearlong devotional to help your students grow in their devotion to Jesus.
PowerWalk …races you through 192 captivating stories from the Bible. …speeds you up if you fall behind. Life gets crazy for each of us. It allows time for you to catch up.
Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader
@RodWhitlock
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…stretches your creativity as you express your devotion to God. You’ll read fascinating stories, have opportunity to express your feelings, illustrate scenes, interact with the story and be challenged to live out the stories you just read. …exercises the disciplines of Scripture reading, prayer, worship, journaling, memorization of Scripture, and note taking. …walks you through the Bible on a chronological path.
Ordercopiesofbothatwww.RodWhitlock.com.
Rod Whitlock loves Jesus, his family and coffee. He has had a crush on his wife for a long time (it changes yearly) and together they enjoy serving Jesus, romantic comedies, and long strolls on the beach…wait, what? Rod has been walking since he was one years old and visited Canada twice. One day he wants to visit Oddville, Kentucky. He loves speaking to youth leaders and teenagers and eating French toast kebabs while he watches cat videos. There’s also a rumor he served as National Student Discipleship Director for National Youth Ministries developing discipleship resources and coordinating Fine Arts, Bible Quiz and Young Adult ministries. (This is being looked in to.)
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