I have been a Youth Pastor for over 15 years. During this time I have served in only two churches and yet have been searching for a position for over a year. This search process has taken me far longer than expected to say the least. I have to tell you some churches have done extremely well at keeping me informed and others just have not even bothered to contact me back. I know first hand that it can be extremely discouraging when the search process takes longer than expected. In addition to this it can take a toll on the family. I would love to share with you some pointers that I have learned that has helped me keep my sanity during this process.
1. Don’t Give Up
I believe one of the first thoughts that enter our minds when the search takes awhile is “Am I really called? Is this what God really wants me to do? Why is it taking so long? ” Thoughts like this cant help but race through our mind. Please do not give up be confident in what God has called you to do. (Philippians 2:13)
2. Pray More
Use this time to grow even closer to God through a deepened prayer life. If you are not serving in ministry because you are in the search process then draw even closer to God through prayer. Deepen your prayer life not just for your own needs but use this time for some extraordinary intercessory prayer. This is time that you may not have had before.
3. Read and Memorize Scripture More
Use this time to dive even deeper into God’s word then you ever have. During this time your faith will be stretched dive deeper into God’s word. Use your down time to read God’s word even more and to memorize even more Scripture. Hide God’s word in your heart. (Psalm 119:11)
4. Read and Study More
Use this time to read more books. Catch up on some books that you have wanted to read. Soak up some great youth ministry knowledge there are so many great books out there that you can dive into that will give you great ideas. In addition find blogs of Youth Pastors and subscribe to them, read them see what is going on in the lives of other youth pastors. Why not start your own blog and talk about your search.
5. Build Deeper Relationships
Use this time to build deeper relationships with others. Take some time to invest more in other people. I know I was often so caught up in doing ministry I could rarely invest in others like I wanted to. Take this time to invest in someone’s life that you might not have had the chance to invest in.
6. Get Involved
This is the last one I will share though I could share so much more. Get involved in church. Just because you may not be the full time youth pastor does not mean that you should not be involved in church. I have been involved in my church for a little over a year now. I have had so many opportunities to contribute to the lifeblood of the church and the youth ministry that I am at. Don’t just drop out of ministry just because you are not getting paid.
In addition you must recognize that your involvement in ministry also will help you build some references. This is not your purpose in being involved but it is a benefit of being involved in church. I hope that if you are in the search process and it is taking a little longer than expected that this article will be beneficial to you.
Joshua Monda is a youth worker in waiting right now – check out his blog is www.baddaysbetter.com.
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Josh Griffin has been in youth ministry for 15+ years and serves as the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. [
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Geoff Stewart serves the Jr / Sr High School Pastor at Peace Portal Alliance Church in Surrey B.C.
I really appreciate this post because I am searching right now for a Youth Minister position and it definitely gets frustrating waiting.
WIth mixed feelings I left my last position due to probelms in the church and the whole things reshaped my thinking. I am not saying that this is the best way, it is certainly difficult though. I have chosen to get involved in a church that I can see myself serving in, rather that getting a “job” at a church. To those of you looking, I pray that you can find a church hiring and a chruch you can really support all in one place, but if I have to chose, I am going to find a church that is truly seeking God’s direction and maybe one day it will turn into a paid position. Currently the church I attend has a Youth Pastor and I am going to support him in every way that I can. I guess if Paul was a tent maker I will be too for a time. Please remember thought that it is nto the paycheck that makes you a full time pastor. Blessings as you Build God’s Kingdom.
KAT
This is greatly appreciated. I’m really in the in between stages right now and it is definitely a difficult process.
Hey everyone thanks for the comments. I want to say I am glad that those that are searching have found this post helpful. I wrote this post primarily because I ahve been searching and I know it can be frustrating. I have had offers do not get me worng but have not felt the Lord leading me to those churches.
Kenn thanks or what you stated. That is why I had number 6 be get involved. I am in a church I absolutely love and get along great with the Pastors. Would it be cool to be on staff there? Yes it would be but I know God has a place for me and right now it is where I am at. I pray that he provides me with a another position. What can be difficult for some is the fact that I have two kids and a wife and to be honest I do not have much of a skill set outside of the church. But I know there is a place for me. To all those searching dont give up. If you want to follow me check out my blog listed in the post I also have my resume up on that blog if you want to get an idea as to how I have put mine together.
Yeah on a more serious note, there is a real struggle with the “Call”. Am I in God’s will? Have I failed him? Is there something wrong with my walk? It is easy to beat yourself up at times. I too have a wife and son and I want to provide for them, make them proud of what I am doing and allow them to see God’s faithfulness. I will check out the blog. I will also pray for you and your fam. Blessings all.
That is for sure. A struggle with the “call” is a big struggle especially when you have been in the search for a long time. To be comletely honest I have gone through that as well. God did you really call me for me I can remember so clearly when, how, and what took place when I knew God called me to full time ministry. Many times I have had to think back on that time and realize God did call me and some of the hardest part is then why aren’t you moving God. In his time I know it will come together.
I would also add: Get more education. If it’s possible (and if you don’t already have one) get a Master’s Degree from a Seminary or Graduate School, or even a Doctorate. If you’re between ministry jobs take time to expand you ministry ability by learning all you can about the Scriptures and about how to better minister to people.
Corey, this is true. However I must say I can go back and forth on this very topic as I feel many times churches have weighted education way to much. I myself do not have seminary and I know this has caused churches to gloss over me despite 15 years of YM experience. Thanks for the info and sorry for responding late.