Home Youth Leaders Articles for Youth Leaders 7 Key Qualities of a Youth Ministry Volunteer

7 Key Qualities of a Youth Ministry Volunteer

Last night I was sitting at a Dennys’ restaurant with my buddy Seth and we were talking about volunteers in youth ministry. Seth and I are volunteers with a very small church and we’re in the beginning stages of developing a youth ministry.

Our conversation revolved around what we might want to be looking for as we develop a team of youth workers.

Typically I’ll think of a leadership team and develop expectations based on

  • What I want them to KNOW
  • What I want them to DO
  • Who I want them to BE

Below are some qualities that we came up with on “who we want them to be” based on this 1 Peter passage:

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.1 Peter 5:2-3

1. Caring (Care for the flock)
2. Positive (willingly)
3. Pure motives (not for what you will get out of it)
4. Enthusiastic to serve (eager to serve God)
5. Humble (don’t lord it over people)
6. Leader (lead them)
7. Lifestyle worthy (by your own good example)

Obviously, there are other character qualities that are important. What would you add to this list? Share it here.  

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dougfields@churchleaders.com'
Doug Fields has been in youth ministry since 1979 and former pastor to students at Saddleback Church in Southern California. He's the author of 50+ books, including the best-selling Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry & Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry. He's also the founder of Simply Youth Ministry, an instructor at Azusa Pacific University/HomeWord, and on the leadership team with Youth Specialties. You can connect with Doug through his blog at www.downloadyouthministry.com! More from Doug Fields or visit/subscribe to Doug's blog at www.dougfields.com