Youth pastors often crave renewal. If that sounds familiar, read on for one youth minister’s story and four insights he’s learned.
I recently began a new season in my life. Student Ministry has been a calling since I was 15. At 18, a church took a chance on me. Since then I’ve fallen deeper into the calling of youth work and investing in Millennials and now Gen Z.
In 2018, I left North Carolina and began working at a church in Orlando. By joining the staff here, God has shown me four key things.
4 Insights About Youth Pastors and Fresh Starts
1. God brings youth pastors into students’ lives for a purpose.
Each of us will admit that God brings us into teenagers’ lives for a reason. But what are we doing with the time we have with the students in our ministry? While starting at a new ministry, I love meeting fellow student pastors who do amazing things.
The key for student pastors is to realize we’re in our ministry setting with these students for a specific purpose. The kids in our ministry need us to stay faithful to God, God’s Word, and leading them closer to God daily. Youth pastors have a daily purpose to invest and be part of students’ lives. Teens want you at their schools and sporting events, sharing God’s Word.
2. Share the gospel faithfully.
No matter where you are in ministry, share the Gospel with your students. I’ve found that staying faithful to the Gospel is the key to doing ministry. I love asking students I meet, “What is your story?” That question opens the door for youth pastors to learn more about teens.
But be prepared! This question can and will lead to people following Christ. I know you’re just reading this blog and will move on with your day. But let me ask you a question to ponder. How can you share the Gospel faithfully in your ministry setting? When I asked myself that question, it changed the way I do youth ministry.
