A couple weeks ago, I got a chance to chat with a college student, who was just hired as a part-time youth minister. He began asking about the “Orange” family ministry philosophy we have jumped into here at RCC, but the discussion turned to more over time. Before long, I found myself actually providing wisdom about ministry, which was the first time I really felt confident doing that. God has really been teaching me over my 10+ year run in youth ministry. One of the biggest things He has taught me is the importance of building a team.
The above graphic was created by Adam McLane, and it illustrates the reality of youth ministry in the United States. Based on the 2010 census, we are at a ratio of 1 paid youth worker to 427 teenagers. Who can teach, mentor, and disciple 427 teens by themselves? We must build a team if we really desire for every teenager to experience a life-saving relationship with Jesus. Here are some further thoughts connected to this idea:
- I know I can fully invest in only 15-20 students, and that is only when I am at the top of my game. If I instead focused on 10-15 volunteers, who, in turn, focused on 10 students… I think you get the picture.
- No matter how hard I try, I cannot be everything to everyone. I am not Paul, and I am definitely not Jesus. I need to find others to bring alongside me who are gifted in areas where I am lacking.
- I love my current job, but there may come a day when God asks me to move on to something else. If that day comes, the youth ministry needs to continue, no matter if I am there or not. It is not about me.
Building this team might be tough in the beginning, but you can be sure that it is worth it. Like I told that college student… Even if you are not gifted as a recruiter, roll up your pant-legs, and recruit at least one — someone gifted as a recruiter. Then, invest in them and watch the multiplication begin.
Steve Cullum 