The Value of a Youth Pastor

Every week we do a topic in youth ministry and this week I am so excited about what we are going to do because I have some friends with me to help this week.

We are going to deal with the topic, the value of a youth pastor or youth leader.

I want to ask the questions: “What is the value of a great youth pastor?” “What is a characteristic of a great youth pastor?” “What does a great youth pastor or youth leader look like?”

Pastor Will Jackson:

Consistency. Teenagers need someone who is not going to quit on them. They do not just need someone that is with them in the good times and when they feel like they are doing all the spiritual things. They need someone even in the rough times and in their mistakes. Students do not just need consistent sermons. Be consistent with your time, checking up on them, showing up at their games.

Hannah Roberts (Pastor’s Kid):

Authenticity. Showing that you are human and that you do have struggles is important. As a teenager I couldn’t look up to someone that was perfect because I knew I could never be perfect. Seeing a youth pastor or leader who showed flaws made me see they were human and believable.

Students are looking for someone to look up to and if you raise the bar too high they can feel like they do not fit in and they are not accepted. You can build a bond by showing your shortcomings, within reason, because students feel like you are being honest with them so they can be honest with you. People are more attracted to your scars than your resume.

Anthony (youth leader):

Patience. Teenagers need someone to be patient with them as they learn and grow. They need to be led from a place of patience where they are, while helping them get to where they should be.

Teenagers are in a world that loves them conditionally. If we as leaders could love them unconditionally they will really respond to that and it could change their lives.

Jessica (Youth Pastor’s Wife):

Availability. I can still call my youth pastor today and I am not a youth. As a youth leader I have what I call my ‘Tiger Babies’. So whatever school your students are at, adopt them and their friends as your babies. Go to the schools and meet their friends. Be available to your students at all times.

Just as Pastor Will was saying, be there in the good times and the not so good times. I have been at their baby showers and their weddings, and, I have helped get them out of jail. Be there in the highs and the lows.

Finally

To wrap this up, teenagers do not want a perfect youth pastor, they want one who is progressing. A youth pastor who has shown spiritual formation in their life. Students need a healthy youth pastor.

As a youth pastor, what are you doing for your own spiritual formation? How are you adding to your value? Not just the programming, putting together the youth service, writing sermons, or event planning. What are you doing personally, in your family, and in your marriage for spiritual formation?

Take a look at these characteristic traits of a youth pastor and add some to this thread. Hopefully, we have helped you understand some important characteristics that build a great youth pastor and leader.