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Goals for Youth Ministry: 7 Ways to Measure Success in Your Program

goals for youth ministry

Goals for youth ministry are essential. When I talk to youth pastors, they often ask, “How do I know how I’m doing in youth ministry?”

My answer: “How are you measuring success? In order to know what success is, you first need to define it. What are some measurables that a youth ministry can strive for?”

Most senior pastors and elder boards ask their youth pastor or student pastor for ministry reports. So realize that any youth ministry must give an account for what God is doing in that program.

Measuring means you have:

• a plan

• targets and goals for youth ministry

• solid managerial skills

an evaluation process

• documentation

• systems

So what should your youth ministry focus on? How do you set goals for youth ministry and measure spiritual growth?

Before we dive in, know that measuring success isn’t about numbers. So when you’re attempting to measure spiritual growth or success, think ratios instead.

7 Goals for Youth Ministry

Any youth ministry can use these wins to measure success:

1. Meet goals for youth ministry with baptisms.

First off, this lets you know if unchurched students are connecting to your environment each year.

2. Meet goals for youth ministry with event attendance.

Next, consider whether teens are excited about your special events.

3. Measure success in youth ministry with promotion.

How many fifth-graders are moving up and sticking in middle school? How many eighth-graders are moving up and sticking with youth ministry in high school?

4. Assess how well you serve.

What percentage of students are involved in serving?

5. Consider your small-group participation.

How many teens are involved in youth ministry small groups?