Subscribe to the Network4 Basic Skills That Go a Long Way in Youth Ministry
I was doing an interview for a seminary student this past week and one of the questions he asked was, “What skills would you say are absolutely necessary for someone to be ready for ‘prime time’ in student ministry?” I thought about it for a while, and thought of these four. Add a couple of your own in the comments:
Basic Bible knowledge – a given since this is the very core of the calling. Thinking you have all of the answers can be a problem, but not knowing any answers is, too! Knowing some basic Bible, especially on topics that relate to teenagers, is critically important when serving in youth ministry. A walk with God is the most important!
Basic business knowledge – no matter the size of the church, the youth pastor is going to deal with budgets, accounting and reporting. Having some basic business skills will help a youth worker navigate the less glamorous side of youth ministry.
Basic people skills – to a large degree a youth pastor is in the people business, so some basic training on interpersonal relationships would go a long ways. Understanding sociology helps put perspective on the home and culture students are growing up in.
Basic speaking skills – public speaking is a significant part of youth ministry. We get the privilege of carrying God’s Word to students, so being a good speaker or at least having some trained skills in that area is important.
JG
I would say, as a college student training for youth ministry, I need to work on the “business” side! I’m thankful my school, Piedmont Bapstist College, is a very strong doctrinal school that makes everyone take a Bible major even with your other major. So I’m getting very strong Biblical training in God’s Word that is going to help me the most in ministry. And the speaking part I’m still learning! Every chance I get to speak in the youth ministry I work in, I get more comfortable, but still needs some work. I’m taking Duffy Robins track next weekend at NYMC! So hoefully I will learn alot from that about speaking to students!