GUEST POST: When The Youth Ministry Job Search Takes Longer Than Expected

Josh on August 17th, 2009

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.

Comments (8)

Chris at 11:49am August 18

I really appreciate this post because I am searching right now for a Youth Minister position and it definitely gets frustrating waiting.

Josh at 11:45am September 1

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.