What are some traits of effective student pastors? And how can churches choose the right person for this important position? Read on for insights about qualities of top-notch youth ministry workers.
These days I think about the next generation a lot. I think about my own young-adult kids. I think about teens who will graduate from high school soon, and those who aren’t far behind.
What’s in store? What will their future be like? I’m hopeful, and the person we choose to lead the way for their spiritual lives is crucial. That’s why I’ve always been passionate about and grateful for student ministry leaders.
Your leadership choice matters! The youth pastor has tremendous influence over the next generation. They have an extraordinary opportunity to represent the moral compass that points the way to Jesus. The best student pastors teach and encourage teens to live a life based on Christian values in a culture that no longer puts God first.
How do you know you’ve made the right choice in a student pastor or volunteer leader? A few key indicators:
- Teens are giving their lives to Jesus and getting baptized.
- Young people are maturing in their faith and inviting friends to church.
- Teens are serving, and a few are called to full-time ministry.
- Kids are living out stories of personal life transformation.
- Finally, teens are living out healthy relationships with family and friends.
So, what’s the best type of leader for these results? I consulted ministry experts and youth pastors to find out. Here are seven traits of effective student pastors:
7 Traits of Effective Student Pastors
1. Emotional Maturity
We all love student pastors who are fun, but we respect those who are mature. These two traits are not mutually exclusive but not always well-balanced. The ability to relate to teens and speak truth is vital.
Essential facets of emotional maturity include a sense of security rather than people-pleasing, not being prone to anger, and possessing self-control.
2. Personal Drive
Next, the best student pastors don’t depend on senior leadership to fuel their spiritual intensity or stoke their energy to reach more students. Leadership drive for progress is born internally; you can’t borrow it from someone else.
You always need encouragement, coaching, direction, and support. But the best student leaders possess their own inner drive to reach more students for Jesus.
3. Servant Leadership
Great youth pastors are leaders, not event planners with theological degrees. And the best student leaders are servant leaders. They show humility, get along with teammates, and submit to the senior pastor’s vision.
A long time ago, I was a student pastor in a small church. I had my own ideas of how to grow a church but realized the pastor who hired me gave me an opportunity to serve, not rule. I’m confident that was God’s grace in the form of the Holy Spirit guiding me, because my natural bent is to do it my way. Great leaders can follow their leader and possess a heart to serve.
4. Relational Savvy
Youth ministry isn’t easy! Not only must you relate to and connect with a wide variety of teens (from artists to athletes to academics). You also must connect and gain trust with parents. From troubled teens to stressed-out parents, a great student leader possesses relational skills that allow her to listen well, gain respect, offer encouragement, and instill confidence.
