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, first you need to define it. So what measurables can a youth ministry strive for? Most senior pastors and elder boards ask the youth pastor or student pastor for ministry reports. 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, and systems. 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. While attempting to measure spiritual growth or success, think ratios instead.
7 Goals for Youth Ministry
Here are helpful ways 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 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 with middle school ministry? How many eighth-graders are moving up and sticking with youth ministry in high school?
4. Assess how well your group serves.
What percentage of students are involved in serving? How is service changing young lives?
5. Consider small-group participation.
How many teens are involved in your youth ministry small groups?
