Need more margin in youth ministry? You’re not alone! Youth ministry is a marathon filled with a thousand sprints. Whether it’s jumping from camp to camp over the summer or getting ready for fall kickoff, it’s easy to get wiped out. If only you had some margin…
Margin is one of the biggest tools a youth minister can use to grow a ministry. The problem is we lose it quickly and never increase it. That, unfortunately, can lead to major burnout.
Add Margin To Youth Ministry: 6 Methods
Feel like your program is moving too fast? Want to add margin in youth ministry and in your life? Then you need to:
1. Take a moment to breathe.
Just stopping what you’re doing might sound impossible. But it’s essential for regaining margin. Even if you can give yourself just one hour to work out a calendar, schedule, or to-do list, it’s worth it.
2. Re-examine your priorities.
If your week feels like a roller coaster, then your priorities aren’t in order. Granted, life happens. But if you know what needs to be done, you can get back on track quickly.
When you get a moment to breathe, list out what you do. And start asking, “What has to be done?” Keep working at the list until you have an order. If it’s not 100%, keep plugging away.
3. Start saying no.
Sometimes you need to say no to good opportunities to make time for great ones. It feels like a rejection, but it’s really a protection of your time and priorities.
4. Make your calendar public.
Distractions are the biggest enemy to margin in youth ministry. They use it up quickly and will totally override you, if you’re not careful. So cut down on distractions by making people aware of your schedule.
Let your volunteers know when you’re going home. Tell them not to disturb you unless it’s an emergency. Communicate with coworkers when you need to spend time on your message so you can maintain complete focus. When you allocate your time, people can better respect it.
5. Schedule in some margin.
One reason you don’t have margin in youth ministry? Because you aren’t intentional about it! So add it to your calendar. Give yourself an extra five minutes to transition to a meeting. Include 30 minutes to grab a bite to eat. Make margin a part of your day.
