CSWM EVENTS

You've got a passion to help young people grow spiritually, lots of creative ministry ideas, fun programs and events, and cutting-edge technology. Yet your church's youth ministry is still failing to attract many students, and your latest in a string of youth pastors has resigned.

Sound familiar? If so, don't despair. It is possible to build a lasting youth ministry that has a powerful impact on the lives of many students – if you lay down the right foundation first.

Here's how you can build a youth ministry that's strong enough to last:

Don't push the "easy button." There are no easy answers or quick fixes that will lead to a strong youth ministry. Be willing to put in lots of effort over a sustained period of time to invest in your church’s youth ministry for the long haul.

Think clearly about what your ministry needs. Too often, youth ministry job postings are either too vague or filled with unrealistic expectations. Ask God to help you understand and communicate the ministry’s real needs well.

Help make a superstar instead of looking for one to come to you. Rather than spending time trying to recruit a youth pastor with superstar qualities (like charisma, compassion, and creativity), build the kind of ministry infrastructure that will help any moderately gifted youth pastor thrive in his or her role.