The roles of youth in the church are varied and many. Church leaders (including youth leaders) must realize they can’t do everything themselves. The positive side? Tweens and teens are well-qualified to fill many youth ministry responsibilities and roles.
Youth leaders need to appreciate this key truth. Every community member, from volunteer to new student, plays a unique role. Each has God-given gifts and can tackle a range of important tasks.
The responsibilities and roles of youth in the church may be formal. For example, some kids lead small groups. Or these tasks may be informal, such as motivating participants during a game or activity. Either way, get creative!
Engage your imagination as to who is playing what roles. That way, you can build and encourage kids’ talents and gifts.
5 Roles of Youth in the Church
1. Consumer
This individual looks for lessons, activities, events, and social connections. Then he or she engages with them.
2. Creator
For this role, a person creates, shares, and improves the lessons. Plus, he or she leads or fuels discussions.
3. Connector
This person thrives on helping other people understand and get connected to others and to activities.
4. Carrier
Through various forms of communication (personal relationships, media, technology), this individual takes the group’s way of life to others.
5. Caretaker
For this responsibility, someone cares for the group’s needs. Examples include remembering birthdays, visiting or sending cards to sick members, and counseling kids who have a conflict. This list can go on and on!
Calling Kids Via Youth Ministry Roles
It’s crucial to think about each person involved in your youth group community. What roles have they played in the past? Where do they seem to thrive? What new roles might interest them? Then the next step is to think about how you can encourage their gifts and talents through various roles of youth in the church.
As kids and youth leaders get connected to their gifts in meaningful ways, they’ll achieve a sense of purpose or calling. Plus, they’ll be more likely to see the value of their participation in a vibrant community of Jesus followers. As a direct result, they all will form an identity in Christ.
What other responsibilities and roles of youth in the church have you identified? How can we encourage teenagers to use their gifts and talents?
