Youth Leader Tips eBook Final

TipstoHelpYouBecomeaGreatYouthLeader

ByRodWhitlock

Tips to help you become a Great Youth Leader

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Dedicatedtothethousandsofyouthworkerswhosacrificiallygiveinsomanywaystoreachteenagers.Thankyouinnowayconveysmysinceregratitudeforyourministry.MaytheLordstrengthenyouinyoureffortsandmayyouexperiencehislove

andgraceinimmeasurableways!

AllScripturequotations,unlessotherwiseindicated,aretakenfromtheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®,NIV®.Copyright©1973,1978,1984,2011byBiblica,Inc.™UsedbypermissionofZondervan.Allrightsreservedworldwide.www.zondervan.comThe“NIV”and“NewInternationalVersion”aretrademarksregisteredintheUnitedStatesPatentandTrademarkOfficebyBiblica,Inc.™Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopy,recording,orotherwise,withoutthepriorpermissionoftheauthor,exceptasprovidedforbyUSAcopyrightlaw.PhotoCredit:http://www.gratisography.comandhttps://picjumbo.comCopyright©2015RodWhitlock

ContactInfo:RodWhitlock

[email protected]


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Iaskedseveralnewandseasonedyouthleadersfromacrossthecountrythefollowingquestions.WithinthiseBookaretheirincrediblyvaluableresponses.

WhatIWishedSomeoneWouldHaveToldMeBeforeStarting 4‐9 WhatResourcesDoYouNeedtoBeMoreEffective 10‐14 WhereIFindMostoftheStudentMinistryInformationIUse15‐16WhatIEnjoyMostAboutStudentMinistry 17‐19TheAreaofStudentMinistryIStruggleWithMost 20‐27WhatAreSomeHandySermonPreparationTips 28‐30ThingsYouWon’tRegretWhileinStudentMinistry 31‐32AdditionalResources 33‐36


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“FOCUSONBUILDINGRELATIONSHIPSWITHSTUDENTS.”Teensareallaboutrelationships.Theytalk,text,anddaydreaminandaboutrelationships.Manyattendbecauseafriendinvitedthem.Manyleavebecauseofabadrelationship.Therefore,relationshipsarekeytoyourbecomingagreatyouthleader.

Hereareafewideasforbuildingrelationshipswithstudents.

1. Textorengagethemonsocialmediaeachweek.It’sagoodideatohaveasocialmediapolicyforyouthleadersaspartofyouryouthworkerapplication.Wewilldiscussasocialmediapolicylater.

2. Callthem.Irealizemostteensdon’ttalkonthephonemuchbutgettingacall

fromaleaderisabigdeal.Makesuretoleaveamessageiftheydon’tanswer.Makeitfunandencouraging.Whoknowstheymaykeepthemessageforyears!


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3. Writethemanote;sendthemapostcardviasnailmail.Allright,nowI’mdatingmyself,buteveryoneenjoysgettingnotesinthemail.

4. Grabacoffeewiththem.NeedIsaymore?Whatteen(oryouthleader)doesn’t

likecoffeethesedays?

5. Inviteafewteenstoyourhousefordinner.(Secureparent’spermissionfirst.)Betteryet,makedinnertogetherandtheneat.

6. Attendtheirschoolactivities.Youmaynotbeabletoseeoneoftheirgamesor

concerts,butyoumaybeabletoattendoneoftheirpractices.Takepicturesandtagthemsotheyknowyouwerethere.

7. Taketimebeforeandafteraservicetosayhelloandaskteensabouttheirday.

8. Makeopportunitiesforstudentstoserve.Thisletsthemknowtheyareonyour

radarandyou’vebeenthinkingaboutthem.Letthemknowyoubelievetheycandothejob.Mostteenswanttoserveandbeapartofwhatishappening.Tapintothis.

9. Taketimetoteachthemalifeskill.Manyteensdon’tknowbasiclifeskills.

Takingtimetoteachthemafewlet’sthemknowyoucareaboutthemasindividuals.Inviteagroupoverandteachthemseveralskillsatonce.Thenhavethegrouphelpeachother.

Afewskillstohelpyougetstartedinclude;computerskills,sewingabutton,howtotieatie,baking,basicselfdefense,howtodolaundry,checkingtirepressure,applyingmake‐up,filloutajobapplication,cutfruit/vegetables,balanceacheckbook,fixarunningtoilet,whattodoifyougetinacaraccident,iron,jumpstartacar,exerciseprogram,applytocollege,etc…

10. Dodevotions/praytogether.

Whenaskedthisquestion,oneyouthleaderputitthisway.

“Buildingrelationshipsaremoreimportantthanpreachingthemosteloquentmessage.”

Toquoteafamiliarstatement,“Peopledon’tcarehowmuchyouknowuntiltheyknowhowmuchyoucare.”


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“FINDBALANCEBETWEENLIFEANDMINISTRY.”Manyayouthleaderwillplanyoutheventsseveralweeksormonthsinadvance.Fewtakesimilarstepsinplanningtheirpersonallifeandmarriage.Hereareafewbalancingsteps. Keeptheromancefiresburning!Askyourwifeoutonadate.I’vebeenmarriedformorethan30yearsandstillaskmybrideout.Mostofthetimeshesays,‘yes!’Planningyoutheventsseveralweeksinadvanceandnottakingtimetoplanaheadonyourmarriageandfamilyissuretocatchupwithyou. Planyourcalendaroutatleastsixmonthsinadvance.Beginbyrecordingallchurchandyouthactivities.Nextfillinanymajorschoolactivities(youcanfindtheseontheschoolwebsite).Recordholidays,familyactivities,andpersonalevents(schoolassignments,jobrelatedevents,etc.)Notethebusyseasons.Youmayhaveoneweekwithtwoorthreemajorthingstakingplace.Youcanrelievesomeofthepressurebygettinganotherleadertodothemessagethatweek.Ifyou’reattendingschoolandhaveapaperdue,forexample,haveanotherleaderplanouttheactivitiesforthatweek.Usetheweekswhenthereislesstodotocatchupand/orplanahead.Inotherwords,onceyouhaveeverythingonyourcalendaryouwillbebetterprepared.Attheendofeachmonth,planoutthenextmonth.Inthiswayyoualwaysstaysixmonthsoutinyourplanning. Delegateasmanyresponsibilitiestootherleadersasyouareable.AsIbuiltmyteamIwasabletohaveeveryareaofouryouthservicedelegatedexceptthespeaking.Ihadaleaderplantheopeningactivity,aleaderoverseetheworship,aleaderresponsibleforregisteringvisitors,aleaderoverthesound/lights,andsoon.InthiswayIwasabletofocusmyenergiesonthemessageandhangingoutwiththestudents. Securingpeopleinyourlifetocoachyouinspecificareaswillgiveyougreatercapacity.Forexample,youmayhavesomeoneinthechurchwhocanmentoryouwithfinances,timemanagementskills,healthylivingorhomeprojects.Thisinvestmentcertainlyhelpsbysavingyoutimeinthelongrun.Younowhavemoretimetodevotetofamilyandministry.

“YOUWON’THAVEALLTHEANSWERS.”Believeitornotyouwon’thavealltheanswersandpleasedon’ttrytohavethemall.Lifeisajourney.Journeywithyourstudentstogetheranddiscoveranswerstogether.Realizethattherearemanyquestionsyouwillnevergetanswers.ShowingstudentsthatyoucontinuetotrustGodinthemidstofnothavingalltheanswerswillmeanagreatdealtostudentsintheirownjourney.


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RecentlyIhadayoungleaderprayformeinfrontofagroupofotherleaders.HethankedGodthatIwasnotagoodexample.ImustadmitIwasabittakenbackbythisuntilhecontinuedpraying.HethankedGodthateventhoughIhadrecentlygonethroughaseriousofsurgeries,medicalexpenses,andnojob,thatIcontinuedtotrustGod.Inotherwords,Ididn’thaveitalltogetherbutstillbelievedthatGodhaditalltogether.Thisgavehimhope!Studentswillcomewithyouwithquestionsastowhytheirparentsaregettingdivorced,whytheirfriendsayshe/sheishomosexual,whatisGod’swillfortheirlife,whydoothersbullyme,whyisitsohardtoforgive,whyismybrothersosick,etc…?It’sallrighttosay,“Idon’tknow,butlet’scontinuetohelpeachotherduringourjourney.”

Hereareafewthingsyoucandotohelp.

o Networkwithotheryouthleaders.Askthemforadvice.o Findamentor.Perhapsthereissomeoneinyourchurchwhoisanexpertina

specificarea.IstheresomeonewhodealswithADHDorotherdisabilities?o Readblogs,booksandarticlestoguideyou.o Buildateamaroundyou.Oneideaistoassignouttoeachleaderaspecificareathey

aretoresearchandthenshareinsightswiththeotherteammembers.Oneyouthleadersharedthefollowing.

“This(beingayouthleader)isreallyhardbutyoucandoit.”

Somethingsinlifeareworthdoing.Youwillneverregretpouringyourlifeintoothers.Don’tgiveup.Therewillbedays,mostlyThursdaysorthedayafteryouryouthservicethatyouwillwanttoquit.Don’t!Everyonehasan‘offnight.’Determinetostayinforthelonghaul.You’llbegladyoudid–believeme.

“UNDERSTANDTHEVISIONOFTHECHURCHANDYOURLEADPASTOR’SEXPECTATIONS.”

Thenumberonereasonpeoplegetfrustratedisbecauseofunmetexpectations.Weeitherdon’tknowwhattheexpectationsareorwefailedtomeetthem.Hereareafewsuggestionstohelpyouwiththis.


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Getthevisionofthechurchinwriting.Thisensuresthateveryoneisonthesame

pageandisahandyreminderforyouasyoumoveforward.Remindyouryouthleadersofthevisionofthechurchonaregularbasis.

Makesurethevisionfortheyouthministrycomplimentsandwalkshand‐in‐handwiththevisionofthechurch.Thechurchand,inmostcases,thepastorwillbetherelongerthanyou.Theyouthministryistosupporttheoverallministry,nottheotherwayaround.

SitdownwithyourPastorandaskhim/herwhattheexpectationsare.Askhimthis

question.“HowwillIknowI’vebeensuccessfulinyoureyes?”Inotherwords,whatexactlyareyoulookingforinayouthministerandyouthministry?

Tieinthevisionandexpectationswhenaskingpermissiontodoaneventorsharing

ontheoutcomeofanevent.Doingsogivesawellthoughtoutpurposefortheeventandyouaremorelikelytohavethepastor’sblessingandmakeiteasiertosecurefutureevents.

Call,textoremailallincidentstohimbeforeanyoneelseletshimknow.Younever

wantyourpastortocallyouaboutsomethingthatheshouldhaveheardfromyou.

“THELONGERYOUARETHERE,THEMOREFRUITYOUWILLSEE.”

Toomanyyouthleadersleavetoosoon.Oneyouthleaderputitthisway…“Yearonecanbeatoughyear,butbyyearthreethingsstarttomoveforward.”


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Stickingitouthasseveralbenefits.Hereareafew. Parents,studentsandchurchleaderstrustyoumorethelongeryouarethere.

Youareforcedtogrow.It’smucheasiertobeatfivechurchesfortwoyearseach,

thanbeatonechurchfor10.Beingatthesamechurchforcesyoutostayfresh,developbetterprogramsandkeepcurrentinyourpreaching.

Developdeeperrelationshipswithyourpastor,leadersandindividualsinthechurch.

Seestudentsbecomeleadersinyouryouthministryandinthechurch.Onceyoufinallydohandofftheyouthministry,youhanditoffinmuchbettershapethanyouwouldifyouwereonlythereforayearortwo.Ofcourse,simplystayinglongerisnoguaranteeofthis,butthelongeryoustayinplacethemorepossibilitiesthereareforthenextyouthleader.


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“MENTORING.”Mostwouldn’tthinkthatmentoringwouldbeconsideredaresourceforthelocalyouthleaderbutseveralrespondedbysayinghavingamentoristheonethingtheyneedtobemoreeffective.Youmaynotbeabletofindanindividualwhoiswillingorabletospendtimementoringyouinaface‐to‐facemeetingbutthereareseveralwaysyoucanbenefitinamentoringrelationship. Books–Don’tunderestimatethementoringpossibilitiesfoundthroughreading.Manytopleaderspointtoreadingasthenumberonewaytheygrowintheirpersonalandministrylife.BeginbydoingasearchontheInternetoftopyouthministryorpersonalgrowthbooksoraskotheryouthleaderswhatbook(s)havemadeadifferenceintheirlife. Podcasts–Technologyhasallowedustohaveaplethora(Ilovethisword)oftopcommunicatorsaddressingrelevantissuesatourdisposal.


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Webarticles–Withinsecondsyou’llfindhundredsofcurrenttrendarticlesontheweb.Notimetolookoverallofthem?Iunderstand.Whynotassignouttoeachofyourleaderstoreadonearticleaweekandshareashortsynopsiswiththeotherteammembers?Asyoucollectarticles,stats,trends,youcanfilethemawayinasermonfiletohelpasyoupreparemessagesinthefuture.I’lldiscussthisabitintheSermonPrepsection. Leadercohorts–Myfavoritementoringapproach.Gatherwithotheryouthleadersonceamonthtodiscusspersonalandministryissues.Spendsometimeprayingforeachother.

“ACCOUNTABILITY.”Anotherresourcethatcametothesurfacewasaccountability.Toomanyyoungleadersareafraidtodiscusstheirstrugglesandasaresultspendagreatdealoftheirtimebattlingtemptationalone.TherearemanygreatFREEsoftwareprogramsouttheretohelpyouifyouareunabletofindsomeonetohelp.Whenitcomestobeingaccountableinministrymakessureyourleadpastoristheonetowhomyouremainaccountable.Here’sasuggestionforyou. OnMondayemailyourpastorlettinghimknowwhatyou’llbecoveringthatweekintheyouthministryservice.Thisletshimknowyou’rereadyandhelpsyouinyourplanning.Additionally,makesureyourpastorknowsyourministrycalendarforthemonthlistingouteachactivityanditspurpose.Don’tforgettofollow‐upwiththeresults.Howmanyguests?Howmanyprayedaprayerofsalvation?Howmanyattended?Doyourbesttomakesureyourpastorhearsthegoodtoo!Thisproactiveapproachgoesalongwayinbuildingtrust.

“TEAMOFCOMMITTEDLEADERS.” Thisoneshouldseemveryobvioustoeveryonewhohasservedinyouthministry.AgoodteammakesallthedifferenceinthesuccessofyourministryHowdoyoudevelopsuchateam?Greatquestion.

HereAreSomeThoughts

Value–Askthemhowthey’redoing.Occasionallygivethemanightoff,beforetheyneedit.Mentiontootherleadersandstudents,whatagreatjobtheydid.


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Celebrate/Appreciate–Onceayearhaveaspecialnighttohonoryourleaders.Surprisethemwithasmallgiftorcardtoshowyourappreciation.

Challenge–Expressyourthanksandthenchallengethemtothenextlevelof

leadership.Beboththeirbiggestcheerleaderandcoach.Pray–Goeswithoutsaying,butI’llsayit,pray.

Manypotentialadultleadersdon’thavethequantityoftimetodevotetostudentministry.Manyyouthministrieshavedevelopedvariouslevelsofleadershiptocombatthis.Hereisoneexampleofwhatthislookslike.

Level1areleaderswhohelpwithbigeventsorspecialoutings.

Level2areleaderswhohelpwithactivitiesandattendtheyouthservice.

Level3areleaderswhoareateverything.Don’tforgettohaveeveryyouthleaderfilloutavolunteerministryapplicationandbackgroundcheck.Youcanfindgreatexamplesandhelpsonline.

‐CheckyourlocalChristianbookstoreoronlineforideasandresources. ‐Developyourown.Thisisnotasdifficultasitsounds.Makequestionsfromyourweeklymessageforsmallgroupleaderstoask. ‐Doaverse‐by‐versestudythroughoneofthegospels. ‐Considerpurchasingasmallgroupcurriculum.Sharethecostwithafewotheryouthministries.Thisallowseachgrouptousethesamematerialandshareinthecost.

MaterialsGroupSmall


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Imustsoundlikeabrokenrecordbynow,buttheInternetisfilledwithhundredsofgamesforsmall,mediumandlargegroups.Makesuretoassignthisouttothatoneleaderonyourteamthatiscrazyfun!Finally,don’tthinkyouhavedogameseverynightoreverytimeyougettogether.

Haveasocialmediapolicythatthechurchleadershipisonboardwithandincludethisinyourvolunteerministryapplication.Findhelpsondevelopingyourchurchessocialmediapolicyonline.

HereAreAFewQuestionsToConsider. “Canleaderscontactstudentsorbefriendswiththemthroughsocialmedia?” “Doyouwantyouryouthministrytohaveasocialmediapageforstudentstointeractwithandgetinformationfrom?”

“Whowillberesponsibleforthis?”

“Isthereanoverallchurchsocialmediapolicy?”

IdeasGame

PolicyMediaSocial


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Youmaywanttohaveyourpastorandchurchboardlookoveranysocialmediapolicyyouhaveestablished.Thelastthingyou,yourpastororchurchwanttodealwithisaninappropriatepostononeofyoursites. Assignaleaderyoutrusttomonitoryoursocialmediaaccounts.

Postupdatesthatpromoteactivities.

Shareupdatesfollowinganevent.

Askstudentswhatsocialmediatheyuseandwhattheywanttoseeonyoursites.


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Therearemanygreatyouthministriesouttherethatcanhelpyoufindmorehelpsandresourcesthanyoucouldeveruse.Again,ifyou’relikemostyouthleaderstheissueisnothavingenoughinformationoutthere;itisfindingenoughtimetosearchforit.I’velistedafewhelpsthatI’veusedinthepasttohelp.

DISTRICTORNETWORKMosteverychurchbelongstoalargernetwork.Theseleadersaretheretohelpyoubesuccessfulatthelocallevel.Additionally,manyoftheseministriesofferusefulandseveralFREEresources!

http://youthleaderscoach.com https://prezi.com(Presentationsoftware) http://videosforstudentministry.com


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https://www.fiverr.com(Designsandawholelotmore)http://youth.ag.orghttp://youthspecialties.comhttp://minhubapp.com(Ministrydatabaseapp)http://www.simplyyouthministry.comhttp://youthministry.comhttp://www.jotform.com(Themeforms)

http://thesource4ym.comhttp://www.downloadyouthministry.com

http://www.churchleaders.com/youth http://www.churchstagedesignideas.com

Don’tForget!Tapintoyouthleadersfromotherchurches.MostIknowaremorethanwillingtohelpoutafellowyouthworker.

And…Students.Askyourstudentsforideas,trends,andfeedback.Afterall,thereasonwearedoingthisisforthem.


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“BUILDINGRELATIONSHIPSWITHSTUDENTS.”Oneyouthleaderwrotebeingoncampuswithstudentswasoneoftheirfavoritethingstodoandplacestohangoutwithstudents.Ilikethatthisleaderrecognizestheneedtobeintheworldofthestudent.It’stherethatthebestrelationshipsarebuilt.

“SEEINGSTUDENTSEXPERIENCEGOD.” Manyyouthleadersmentionedthisone!Nosurprisehere.

Usemultipleeventsandactivities

Perhapsitgoeswithoutsayingbutallowtimeforaltarexperiences.Don’tassumethatjustbecauseyou’reatayoutheventthiswilltakeplace.Beproactive.Ifyoudon’thelpthemexperienceGod,whowill?

TalkwithstudentsaboutGodAnytimeImetwithastudentIalwayshadacoupleofquestionstoaskthemwhilewehungout.Onewasalways,“howareyouandJesusdoing?”

AskstudentshowtheyexperienceGodoutsideofchurchDon’tlimittheirexperiencestochurchoryouthoutings.AskhowtheyexperienceGodoutsideofthesetimes.Iftheydon’tknowtheanswer,itwillatleastmakethemawarethattheycanencounterGodanytimeandtheyaremorelikelytoanticipateitnexttime.Forexample,youmayaskthemhowtheyexperiencedGodwhileonvacationorwhileatthemallorwhileatschool.

“WATCHINGSTUDENT’SBETRANSFORMED.” Taketimeinyourleadershipgatheringstosharestoriesofhowstudentsarebeingchanged!Sharingstorieswillencourageyourleadershipteamandstrengthenthemtocontinuethejourney.Plusit’sjustfuntohearwhatGodisdoinginteen’slives.


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“SEEINGSTUDENTSGROWINTHEIRFAITH.” Thisjustdoesn’thappenbecauseyouhaveaweeklyyouthservice.It’snecessarytodevelopaplanforthistohappen.Mapoutonyouryearlyplanningcalendarseasonswherestudentswillbechallenged.It’sbeensaid,“youcan’tgrowwhatyoucan’tmeasure.”Inotherwords,makesureyoucanmeasurewhatgrowthlookslike.

HowarestudentsgrowingintheirwalkwithChrist?Whatareyoudoingtomakethishappen?Howareyoucelebratingstudent’sgrowth?Howareotherleadersinteractingtohelpthestudentsgrowintheirfaith?Whatdostudentssharewhenitcomestohowtheyaregrowinginfaith?

Thesearejustafewquestionstoaskwhenconsideringhowstudentsaregrowing.

“MOBILIZINGSTUDENTSINTHEIRCALLFROMGOD.”

Here’sACoupleOfIdeas SpeakonGod’scall.


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Provideampleopportunitiesforstudentstoexperiencevariousaspectsofministry.ThisgivesthemabroadviewofpossibilitiesandroomfortheSpirittospeaktothem.

Havestudentstakeaspiritualgiftassessment.Youcanfindtheseonline.

Providestudentswithwaystheycanbeinvolvedinministryinthechurch.

ConnectparentsandstudentstoChristianUniversities,MissionOrganizations,Para‐

ChurchGroups,etc… HelpstudentsseeweareallcalledbyGodtofulfilltheGreatCommission.It’sjusta

matterofwhereandhow. Asyougettoknowstudentsandseeacallontheirlives,tellthemtheyhaveacallof

Godontheirlife.Challengethemtopursueit.OneofthebiggestreasonsI’minministrytodayisbecauseIhadpeopleinmylifewhoexpressedtheirbeliefthatGodhadcalledmetofull‐timevocationalministry.

Oneleadersharedthis.

“Imostenjoyseeingthestudentssavedandcalledtoministry.Whenastudentdiscoverstheircalling,theirworldchanges.IpraythatGodwoulddomoreintheheartsofthestudentsthansimplywhathappensduringaWednesdaynight

youthservice.”


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“CREATINGCULTUREWITHLEADERSHIPTEAM.”Culturedoesn’tjusthappen,nordoesitchangeovernight.Ittakestimetoseethefruitofyourlaborinministryandthisisonceagaintruewhenitcomestochangingthecultureofyourministry.Sadly,toomanyyouthleadersleaveforanotheryouthgrouporministrybeforeseeingthechangetheysetouttoaccomplish.Tocreateahealthycultureyoumustunderstandthatitisthepeoplewhocarrytheculturethroughoutthegroup.Lookforandgatherthemostcontagiousindividualsonyourteamandaskthemtohelpyoucarrythedesiredculturetotherestofyourgroup.AsIsaidabove,creatingculturedoesnothappenovernight,butitmayjustbethemostimportantthingyoudoasaleader.Itwilltaketimeandrequirebeingextremelyproactiveaboutchangingit.


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5StepsToCreatingACulture

Here’soneyouthleader’sresponse.

“Developingnewcultureswithmyleadershipteam.”*Iaddressthisveryissueofcultureinmybook,“CreatingaDiscipleshipCultureinYourYouthMinistry.”There’sinformationonhowyoucangetyourcopyattheendofthiseBook.

“TIMETOREST.”Perhapsthemostviolatedcommandmentofthe10isthecommandtorest.EvenGodrestedaftersixdaysofcreation!Justasyouplaneveryeventinyouryouthministryyouwillneedtoplanperiodsofrest.JesusmodeledthisinScripture,asyouwillfindversesindicatinghebrokeawayfromthecrowdtobealone.Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Youalreadyknowthatwearetorest.That’snottheissue.It’sfindingthetimetodoit!

Decidethecultureyouwishtocreate

Communicateitwithyourteam

Makesmallchangesoveraperiodof

time

Ensureeveryactivity

affirmstheculture

Don'ttrytoconvertotherstoyourculture.ConvertthemtoChrist


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HowToGetTimeBackOnYourSide

Withoutadoubtthetwomostimportantwordsinyourvocabularyare‘yes’and‘no.’Sometimesyouhavetosayno.Nomatterhowgiftedyouare,youwon’tbeabletodoeverythingwell.It’smuchbettertodoafewthingsgreat,thanmanythings,good.Learntosay,NO.Praybeforeyouaddmorethingstoyourcalendar.Sitdownwithyourspouseandleadershipteamtore‐evaluateyourcalendar.Iswhatyouhaveonthecalendarvitaltotheoverallsuccessofwhatyou’reattemptingtoaccomplish?Considersittingdownwithamentororfindingabookortakingaclassontimemanagement.Noticewhenyourleadersaretiredandneedabreak.Afteralongdayofministry,Jesusmadesurethedisciplesgottoaquietplacetoeatandrest. Mark6.30‐31“TheapostlesgatheredaroundJesusandreportedtohimalltheyhaddoneandtaught.31Then,becausesomanypeoplewerecomingandgoingthattheydidnotevenhaveachancetoeat,hesaidtothem,“Comewithmebyyourselvestoaquietplaceandgetsomerest.”(NIV)Sowtheseedsyouwishtoseesowninyourlife.


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“STAYINGINSPIREDANDKEEPINGMINISTRYFRESH.” Morethanoneyouthleaderexpressedthisstruggle.

“Theweek‐to‐weeksermonprep.”Ican’tbegintoexpresshowmuchIappreciatethevulnerabilityofthisresponse.It’stoughtostayinspiredoverthelonghaul.Realizeyouarenottheonlyonewhohasfeltthis.Everyyouthleaderhashadseasonswhenitwasdifficulttoprepareanothersermon,plananactivityormakeanothercalltoastudent.Grabaprayerpartner.Ihadagroupofladiesfromthechurchthatcommittedthemselvestoprayformyfamily,myministryandme.Theyofferedwordsofencouragementandsharedinsightsthatwerehelpfultome.Expandyourcreativitybyreadingand/ordoingthingsoutsideyournormalroutine.Doingsoheightenscreativity.Occasionally,changethingsup. Havethemessagefirstandthenworship. Visitanotheryouthgroupforfreshperspectiveandnewideas. Preachfromaremoteplaceandshowthevideoratherthandoitlive. Attendaconferencegearedtowardyouthministry. Breakintosmallgroupfordiscussionratherthanonelargegroup. Turntheroomaround.Speakfromthebackoftheroom. Getoutofthechurch.Visitstudents.Gotocampusevents. Sharestorieswithothersofhowyourstudentsaregrowingintheirfaith.Everysooften,planadaywhennothingisplanned.Sleepin,talkawalk,read,watchamovie,nap,listentomusic,etc.Spendthedaydoingunplannedthingsthatarerelaxing.Takeadrivetoanearbycityandspendthedayexploring.Exercise.Getthebloodflowingagainandbreakoutofthedoldrums.

“FEELINGLIKEI’MMAKINGADIFFERENCE.”Youare!Icantellyouafter30plusyearsofyouthministrythateverythingyoudoasayouthleadermakesadifferenceinthelivesofteens.YoumaynotseetheimmediatefruitbutIguaranteeyouwillexperiencechangedlivesinthemonthsandyearstofollow.


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“FOLLOWUP.”Makesureyougatherinformationfromnewstudentsateachevent. Assignastudentleadertocallortextthemwithin24hoursoftheevent.

Thankthemforcomingandgettoknowafewthingsaboutthem.

Connectwiththemagainwithintheweektoinvitethemback.

Followupatleastonceaweekoverthenexttwoweeks.

Duringmydaysasavolunteeryouthleaderwewerechallengedtocontacteverystudentinoursmallgroupeachweek.IwouldtakeMondaynightstocalleachmalestudent,whilemywifecalledeachfemalestudent.Occasionally,wewouldvisitstudentswhowehadn’tseeninawhiletoreconnect.Thebottomlineisyoumustmakefollowupahugepriority.Keepingastudentinvolvedisgenerallyeasierthangettingastudenttovisitforthefirsttime.

“OTHERCHURCHRESPONSIBILITIES.”Morechurchesarehiringlessstafftodomorework.Ofcourse,Ididn’tneedtotellyouthat,youalreadyknewthis.So,eitherpriortoacceptingthepositionorassoonasyoufinishreadingthiseBook,sitdownwithyourpastororaskhim/hertohelpyouprioritizeyourresponsibilities.Inotherwordswheredoesyouthministryfallwithinotherresponsibilities?Makesurebothofyouareonthesamepagewhenitcomestoexpectations.Themaincauseoffrustrationandindividualsleavingorbeingreleasedfromapositionisunmetorunknownexpectations.Onegoodaspectofhavingmultipleresponsibilitiesisitgivesyoumoreexperienceandbroadensyourgiftset.Thiscanproveextremelyvaluableinyournextassignment.

“ADMINISTRATIVE/ORGANIZED.”

Let’sLookAtAFewWaysToGetBetterOrganized.

1. Findsomeonewhohasthisgiftandcanhelpyouwiththeorganizationalsideoftheministry.


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2. Planoutweekbeforegettingintoofficefortheweek.IfoundthattheFridaybeforethenextweekwasagoodtimetoplanthenextweek.InthiswayIfocusedonwhatwasimportantandnecessaryratherthanonwhatcouldwait.

3. Keepadigitalfileforeacheventoractivity.Thenwhenthenextsimilareventcomesaroundyouhaveallthenecessaryforms,schedules,responsibilities,contactinformation,etcyouneed.

4. Developaserviceplannerforyouryouthservices.Thisincludes:WhosetstheroomWholeadsthegameoractivityWholeadsworshipWhodoessound/lightsWhomakesannouncements/offeringWhospeaksWhoworkssecurityWhogathersguestinformationWhocleansup…andsoon

Thisensureseachandeveryareaisaccountedfor,thuseliminatingoratleast,reducingunexpectedsurprises.

5. CCyourselfanyemailsthatneedfollowup.6. HaveasettimeeachweekforsermonprepandNOTonthesamedayyouspeak.

ChecktheSermonPrepchapterforsomeideasonthis.7. Makeabudgetsheetforeachevent.

Here’sasimpleexampleofone.INCOME:Numberofstudents________________X$______________=TotalIncome$________________

Expense Cost Vendor Phone#Transportation Tickets/Site/Event Food Supplies Promotion Lodging Other TOTAL$ Takethetotalofexpensesfortheactivityanddividethisbynumberofstudentsyouexpect.Iftotalcostis$900andyouhave30students,thecostis$30perstudent.OfCourseAlwaysUnderestimateOnIncomeAndOverEstimateOnExpenses.


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It’salwaysabetterideatotellyourpastoryoumademoneyonanevent,oratleastcoveredallexpensesthantellhimyoulostmoney.Keepingallthisinformationononefilehelpsyouasyouplanforsimilarevents.

HereAreSomeThoughtsOnBeingAGoodStewardOfTheFinances.

1. Discussthehistory,currenthandlingandfutureoftheyouthministrybudgetandfinanceswithyourpastor.Isthereaplaninplaceforabudget?

2. Askforthepreviousyear’sbudgetandcurrentyear’sprojectedbudget.

3. Meetwiththeindividualwhooverseestheyouthministrybudgettodiscusscorrectproceduresforpurchases.Arepurchaseordersneeded?

4. Whatwaysdoestheyouthministrygenerateincome?(Budget,offerings,fundraisers,etc…)

5. What’sthephilosophyontheyouthministryaskingformoneyfromindividualsin

thecongregation?(Missiontrips,camps,etc…)

6. Cantheyouthministryreceiveanofferingonceayearforyouthministrybudget?

7. Doesthechurchownavanorbusfortransportation?Doyouhaveadealeryouworkwithforrentals?Whataretherequirementsforwhocandrive?

8. Doesthechurchpayyourwayforeventsorconferences?Whataboutyourspouse?

9. Towhomdoyougiveyouthofferingsandincomeandwhokeepstrackofincomeandexpenses?

10. Aretherevendorsthechurchalwaysworkswithorcanyoulookforthebestdeal?

11. Howmuchadvancenoticedoyougivewhenrequestingacheckorpurchaseorder?

12. Iftheyouthministrymakesmoneycanitkeeptheexcessforfutureeventsorfor

improvingfacilitiesornewequipment?

13. Canyoucarryfundsoverintothenextyearordoesyourbudgetstartoveragain?


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“EVANGELISMANDINTEGRATINGNEWSTUDENTS.” Remember,wearelookingatareasyouthleadersstrugglewiththemost.Sohowcanyouthleadersfindsuccesswiththis? Makeevangelismapartofyourpersonallife.Tellstoriesofhowyou’rereaching

yourneighbors,friendsandco‐workers.Hopefully,ifyouworkinthechurch,youwon’thavetoreachyourco‐workers!

Astheyhearyoutellofyourownpersonalstruggles,fearsandhowotherscametoChrist,studentswillbegintoengagetheirfriends. Avoidmakingevangelismanevent.Nottosayyoucan’thaveevangelisticevents,but

rathermakeitapartofthecultureofyouryouthministry. HaveaVIProomforgueststoyouryouthministryandthestudentwhobrought

them.Haveafewsnacksorsmallgift.Onlythosestudentswhobroughtsomeonecanenterwiththeirguest.

Sitdownwithyourteamandcomeupwithafewideasonhowtointegratenew

students. Asknewstudentswhattheylikedanddidn’tlike.

Letthemknowyoulovedhavingthemandwouldlovehavingthembeapartofthe

group.Inotonlylovedthishonestresponse,butthinkitspeakstoandforsomanyincrediblevolunteeryouthleaders.

“Balanceandselfcare.Beingparttimeitcanbehardtoknowwheretoputmytime.DevelopingaleadershipteamthatIknowIcantrustareasoftheministrytohashelpedsomuch!Havingafulltimejoboutsideofyouthministryitcanalsobehardtofindthatbalanceinmyownlifeforselfcare.Iwanttobethehealthiestversionofmyselfspiritually,physically,andemotionally,thatisa

challengefulltimeorparttime,butitishardtobalanceafulltimejob,ayouthministry,andpersonallife.”


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HAVEAPLAN

SPEAKINSERIESIhavealwaysfounditbeneficialtospeakinseries.Sitdownwithyourleadershipteamandaskwhat10topicsneedtobeaddressedoverthecourseofthenextyear.Considersittingdownwithagroupofstudentsaswelltoaskthesamequestion.Planeachseriestobefourweeks,givingyou40weeksofmaterial.Theremaining12weekscanserveasindividualmessages,guests,nightsoffduetoholidays,etc…

ALLOWTHEPASSAGETOSPEAK

Ratherthanattemptingtofindseveralscripturestosupportthemessage,discoverapassageofscripturetosupportyourmessage.Inotherwords,allowthepassagetospeakthemessage.Everyonelovesagreatstory.Readthroughastoryandletthestorybringtheapplication.Let’slookatthestoryofDavidandGoliath,forexample. DavidwasobeyinghisfatherwhenGodusedhiminamightyway(1Samuel17.17‐19). DavidhadbeenpreparinghimselfforGod’sservicewhennooneelsewasaround(1Samuel17.34‐37). Youcan’twearsomeoneelse’sarmortofightin(1Samuel17.38‐40). David’sweaponwashisGod(1Samuel17.45‐47).


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Application:Howhaveyoubeenpreparingyourselfforthedayyoufacesomethingbiggerthanyourself?HowisGodourgreatestweaponagainsttheattacksoftheenemy.

KISSKeepisSuperSimple.Useyoursmallgroups,discipleshipclassesandone‐on‐onetimestodigdeeperintoScripture.

BEGINWITHENDINMINDThinkabouttheonethingyouwantstudentstowalkawaywithandworkbackwardsfromthere.UsingourDavidandGoliathexample,theonethingIwantisforstudentstoknowthatGodisontheirsideinthemidstofconflict.

USETOOLSWhenlookingatthetext,lookforkeywords,phrasesandimagesinthetext.Noteifwordsarerepeated.Next,takethesewordsorphrasesandscantheInternet.Typeintheword.Lookatdefinitions,articlesandimages.Oftenyouwillfindthiswillenhancecreativeaspectsandhelpyouthinkoutsidethebox.IalsolikeusingYouTubeforvideostohelpillustratethemessage.Again,usekeywordsorphrases.Typingin‘DavidandGoliath’givesyouseveralvideostohelp.UseagoodBiblesoftwareorstudyBible.Takeadvantageofthenotesandcommentary.I’vealsotypedin,‘Commentaryon1Samuel17’asanexample.Nocopying,ofcourse,butyou’llfindinsightsthatwillserveyouinputtingtogetheryourmessage.

AFEWTIPSAlwaysreviewthepreviousweekwhileinaseries.Why?Greatquestion.Thanksforasking.Noteveryoneattendseveryweek.Doingaquickreviewofwhereyou’vebeenhelpsremindeveryoneandcatchothersupwhomissedtheweekbefore.Doingsoalsomeansyouneedlesstimepreparingnewmaterialeachweek.Imighttakefiveminutesofa30‐minutemessagetoreview.ThismeansIneedprepare25minuteseachweekratherthan30.


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Keepfoldersforeachseriesyouplanondoingoverthenextyear.Asyoucomeacrossarticles,resources,illustrationsyousimplyputtheminthefolder.Whenitcomestimetoprepareyoupulloutthefolderandhaveseveralpiecestorefertoforhelp.YoumaybedoingadatingseriesinFebruary…whodoesn’t!?!?ButinJulyyoumaycomeacrossagreatillustration.FileitawaytopulloutinFebruary.ThismeanslesssearchinginFebruaryformaterial.Finally,bounceyoursermonoffstudents.Youcandothisinacoupleofways.Sendanoutlineorideatostudentsaheadoftimeaskingforideasorwhatsticksouttothem.Thishelpsyouconnectwithwheretheyareonaspecifictopic.Anotherideaistoaskstudentsafteramessagefortheirfeedback.Usetheirthoughtstocreateyourreviewforthenextweek.Eitherwayyouwin!


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INCLUDINGYOURFAMILYINYOURMINISTRY

Youwillneverregretmakingyourfamilyapartoftheministry.Travelwiththem,includetheminactivities,asktheiropinions,includeyourspouseintheplanning,andmostimportantly,lovetheminfrontofthestudents.

PRAYINGFORSTUDENTSConsiderkeepingaprayerjournallistingeverystudentwhoeverattendsoneofyouractivities.Makeacommitmenttoprayforthemthroughgraduation.

SHARINGGOD’SWORDWITHSTUDENTSWhetheryoudothisasamessage,smallgroup,orthroughsocialmediayouwillneverregretsharingthelivingWordwithstudents.

MEETINGWITHSTUDENTSAlthoughyoumayforgetwhoyoumetwithandwhy…they’llneverforget.

SEEINGSTUDENTSLIVESCHANGENothinglikeseeingastudentdevelopintoalovingfather,mother,minister,worker,disciple.

GROWINGASASERVANTLEADER

You’llnotgrowtiredofseeingGodleadyouandgiveyouopportunitiestouseyourgifts.


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SERVINGTHOSEWHOHAVENOTHINGTOGIVEBACKTOYOU

Therearefewthingsgranderthanseeingone’sownheartgrowintheareaofcompassion.

WORKINGWITHATEAMLifelongfriendsandco‐workersintheKingdom!

STAYINGLONGENOUGHTOSEEFRUITFeweverseethis.Staylongenoughtoexperienceitinyourownlife.

SERVINGYOURLEADERGodhonorsyouasyouhonorandservethoseinauthorityoveryou

SUPPORTINGPARENTSASTHEYRAISETHEIRTEENSMaybeoneofthemostdifficultjobsaparentwilleverhaveistoraiseateen.Yoursupportmeanstheworldandsowsgoodseedwhenyoufinallyhaveateen.


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I’dlovetogetyourfeedbackonthiseBook.

SimplyemailmeatContact@RW.com.Letmeknowifandhowthiswashelpful.LetmeknowifthereareothereBooksyou’dfindhelpfulinthefuture.ConnectwithRodatContact@RW.comtohavehimspeakatoneofyourevents.

Finally,Iwantyoutoknowabouttworesourcesavailabletoserveyouinyourministry.


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Your youth group has a culture. It may be by design or by default but truth be told, the way your group engages is based on that culture. Creating a Culture contains 31 Strategies for making students into life-long followers of Jesus. It is filled with concepts and practical ideas to help you fulfill the call to see your students become active followers of Christ. AND…


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PoWerWalk is a yearlong devotional to help your students grow in their devotion to Jesus.

PowerWalk …races you through 192 captivating stories from the Bible. …speeds you up if you fall behind. Life gets crazy for each of us. It allows time for you to catch up.


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…stretches your creativity as you express your devotion to God. You’ll read fascinating stories, have opportunity to express your feelings, illustrate scenes, interact with the story and be challenged to live out the stories you just read. …exercises the disciplines of Scripture reading, prayer, worship, journaling, memorization of Scripture, and note taking. …walks you through the Bible on a chronological path.

Ordercopiesofbothatwww.RodWhitlock.com.

Rod Whitlock loves Jesus, his family and coffee. He has had a crush on his wife for a long time (it changes yearly) and together they enjoy serving Jesus, romantic comedies, and long strolls on the beach…wait, what? Rod has been walking since he was one years old and visited Canada twice. One day he wants to visit Oddville, Kentucky. He loves speaking to youth leaders and teenagers and eating French toast kebabs while he watches cat videos. There’s also a rumor he served as National Student Discipleship Director for National Youth Ministries developing discipleship resources and coordinating Fine Arts, Bible Quiz and Young Adult ministries. (This is being looked in to.)

Youth Leader Tips eBook Final

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Transcript of Youth Leader Tips eBook Final