I get asked this question all of the time: I want to work with students – what is the right path to go into youth ministry? The answer is not quite as simple as it may seem. Here’s what I think:
There are many roads to youth ministry.
I’ve been fortunate to meet a whole bunch of amazing youth workers – and they come from an incredibly varied background. I know great youth workers that learned youth ministry in the trenches, I know great youth workers who learned a ton in seminary. I know some that have little to no education at all, and some with far more education than is even practically necessary.
Aundrea was a stay-at-home mom. Jacob was a farmer. Phil was a nurse. Nathan was a police officer. Jessica was planing on being an elementary school teacher. Tommy drove a Pepsi delivery truck. Aaron worked in a warehouse. Jeremiah was a magazine editor. Johnny went to seminary, and Chris isn’t even done with school yet. I went to Bible college myself … but graduated with a business degree.
There are many roads to youth ministry.
So which is the right path? Great question, and one I hope that God answers clearly and individually for you. Will you be more hirable if you have a degree? For sure. Is not liking school enough reason to skip it? Probably not. Can you get an education yourself by going to conferences or books? I think it would be helpful for sure.
So with this concept in mind, here are a few thoughts for you as you consider what your next step might look like:
- Look at your role models or thought leaders in youth ministry. What was their path to youth ministry?
- Make a list of the books you need to read to develop your weaknesses or increase your top end potential.
- Make plans to visit a church or student ministry that is will be of significant value to your leadership development. Consider which training/conference would benefit you the most.
- Consider picking up a class in the evening or in a block format to keep pushing yourself forward.
- Pray and ask God for clarity about going to college, or back to school, or if grad school/seminary is for you.
Whatever road you take, blessings on your journey into youth ministry!
JG
