I like a busy youth ministry. I also like when kids come in and have a job; that’s why I don’t do everything. When I leave things undone on purpose, kids have something to do when they arrive. Roles and responsibilities for teens are essential for growing young servants and leaders.
More Roles, More Vision
I believe in the economy of youth ministry, with each program operating like a small city. When people are working and invested, there’s less crime, less blight and less vandalism. The same is true for our ministries. With more roles and responsibilities for teens, more kids serve weekly and monthly, and there’s less griping, less boredom and more vision.
Throughout the years, I’ve handed out a variety of roles and responsibilities for teens. Some were a natural part of my youth ministry, and some I created because certain students were gifted in a particular area. By the way, nothing on the list below is sacred or proprietary. If you can do a task yourself, then students can do it too, though they might need a little training and mentoring.
Consider These 31 Ministry Roles and Responsibilities for Teens:
1. Create worship slides
2. Make announcements
3. Take the offering
4. Read poetry
5. Provide a rap intro for the message
6. Share a faith testimony
7. Operate the café (serve snacks)
8. Set up chairs
9. Clean up after events
10. Lead a game
11. Sing a song
12. Do a dance
13. Do a drama or monologue
14. Play in the worship band
15. Lead worship and/or prayer
16. Design graphics
17. Serve as photographer
18. Serve as videographer
19. Run the ministry’s social media accounts
20. Run the sound board
21. Preach
22. Teach
23. Lead a small group
24. Run the computer
25. Draw an illustration
26. Edit video
27. Make movies or slides for the message (or just for fun!)
28. Greet people as they arrive
29. Follow up with guests
30. Mentor middle school students
31. Disciple new believers
For more details about my philosophy of student leadership, check out this video: “4 Ways to Move Your Youth Group From Consumer to Creators.” For my thoughts on the economy of youth ministry, read my article “Is Your Youth Ministry Hiring?”
To receive more articles, tips and videos in your inbox, subscribe to my Youth Ministry Round Up newsletter (and get a free Bible study).
This article about roles and responsibilities for teens originally appeared here.
