I did that for six or seven years. It was my continuing education. I nursed my wounds and found friendship and creativity. It was the best thing for me at the time and a big reason why I’m still part of different ministry and leadership conferences, groups and tribes.
During those times, I met people who saw my gifts and encouraged me to use them. I started using them. But I failed a lot. I didn’t communicate well sometimes and wasn’t organized. But I kept saying yes and kept growing. I didn’t back away from the hard things because the hard things were making me better.
Fourteen years later, I can say with confidence, those hard things are making me great. So what I’m saying is this. You need a few qualities to be a great youth pastor, or anything really. It’s not magic or rocket science. It just works, as I’ve learned over time.
How to Become a Great Youth Pastor
1. Serve because you’re grateful.
2. Love what you do.
3. Soak up all the help you can get.
4. Join the help in conversation.
5. Become the help to others as you grow.
6. Welcome hard things. Do hard things for 10 years and you’ll be killer good at what you do.
7. Stay somewhere long enough to see the fruit.
How are you becoming a great youth pastor? What things work for you?
This article about being a great youth pastor originally appeared here.
