Comments on: 4 Basic Skills That Go a Long Way in Youth Ministry

By: Latest Links | blog of dan

Latest Links | blog of dan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:41 +0000

[...] 4 Basic Skills That Go a Long Way in Youth Ministry [...]

By: Matthew

Matthew — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:18:43 +0000

i agree with Leslie a significant prayer life and Daniel an above average bible knowledge. I am not sure that you must possess the knowledge before but you must be willing to lead and learn and keep growing.

By: Theresa Rae Gay

Theresa Rae Gay — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:18:55 +0000

I want to drop in on this discussion. I was asked to do youth ministry because of my marketing ability (I built our almost nonexistant child care ministry to program with 24 employees and long waiting lists). I was VERY weak in biblical knowledge and the interim pastor didn’t know me from Eve.

Until I went to NYMC in 2008, I was the Julie McCoy of our Youth Ministry. I was a great program director and could plan awesome fun trips. After NYMC, I realized I was able to bring God to the table in a meaningful, relevant way and I have. I still have SO much to learn but God and my more biblically knowledgeable mentors and friends have helped me share my love of God with the students.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:50:16 +0000

I just wanted to add a significant prayer life.

By: Felipe

Felipe — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:12:39 +0000

You forgot the basic skill of looking incredibly good

By: J Manners

J Manners — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:08:27 +0000

for those who need help on the business end with accounting check out http://www.financessoftware.com/ it’s a free accounting program, that’s super easy to use. I started using it for my youth group. You can set up multiple accounts and transfer funds between them (Note: you don’t REALLY transfer funds it just so you can keep track of things) I set up one main account for the youth group and created a deposit for our initial budget for the year. Then I made accounts for each member of our youth group (this may be time consuming for big groups) when money is brought in from fundraisers I create 1 general deposit in the main account, then transfer to each students amount for how much they raised. and it keeps track of how much you spend on different categories like food, transportation, entertainment, ect. I found it way easier to work with than quicken, but that’s just me. I hope this helps someone.

By: therandy

therandy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:16:54 +0000

4 Josh
Basic cultural knowledge: This is more prevention from embarrassing situations. For instance,
“That’s so boss” said my student.
“That’s your boss?” I responded.
“No, that is boss” she said.
“…I don’t get it” I confessed.

Oh man Josh…I almost lost my coffee on that one. Do you remember when “boss” meant that something was really cool? Like “those shoulder pads are so boss man” or “that perm is so boss” or “dude, those parachute pants with that Michael Jackson jacket and matching glove are so boss” AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Josh…I do not know if you were trying to be funny, but man…

Now on the subject of the what you need to be ready for “Primetime” whatever that means. I believe that the #1 basic skill is the skill of submission. Not like Matt Hughes or Tito Ortiz submissions, but continual submission to the Lord. If we are continually submitted to the ever living ever present God then all else falls into place. Including or Bible study, business skillz, people skillz, speaking skillz, computer hacking skillz, nun-chuck skillz, all the sweet skillz. But honestly to model and teach submission would be the ultimate in leading young people to the right path…

love you…

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:36:55 +0000

This probably falls under “Basic People Skills”, but I would add “Basic Leadership Skills”. Any person given the responsibility of leading a group of people needs to have the skills of vision, inspiration, influence, and management. Any Youth Pastor who is ready for ‘Prime Time’ must be ready to not only lead, but lead others who lead students. A college professor once told our class that, in time spent investing in people, we should spend about 1/3 of our time with students, about 1/3 of our time with their parents, and about 1/3 of our time with the leaders in our ministry. This was quite shocking back when I thought Youth Ministry was just hanging out with teenagers all the time. I believe that a good amount of our “people investment” time should be spent with those who lead our students.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:20:17 +0000

I’m sure this goes without saying, Josh, but I’ll say it anyways just to put it on the table. A youth pastor ready for ‘prime time’ youth ministry must have integrity. ‘Prime Time’ youth ministry (if I understand the question that was posed to you) is dealing with a lot of people, a lot of recognition, a lot of money, and a lot of resources. I’ll man up and say that I’m not ready for that kind of ministry opportunity because I’m still working to develop the work ethic and humility that it would take to handle that kind of situation effectively.

By: luke st. hilaire

luke st. hilaire — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:39:31 +0000

among those basic skills, it’s absolutely necessary to be a champion in all areas of video gaming, memorize the number for the local pizzahut, and be up to date on all movies and television shows in circulation

fact

By: Andy Lawrenson

Andy Lawrenson — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:38:27 +0000

Great post!
I hate the budget end of things but it is necessary. I have learned how to use Quicken and Excel. I also have brought volunteers onto the YM team that are good at the organizational and budget end of things. That’s a huge help.

If someone isn’t a good communicator do they have a chance at being a youth pastor? (I know someone will pull the “moses” hero of the faith collector’s card here.)

By: Josh

Josh — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:13:23 +0000

Basic cultural knowledge: This is more prevention from embarrassing situations. For instance,
“That’s so boss” said my student.
“That’s your boss?” I responded.
“No, that is boss” she said.
“…I don’t get it” I confessed.

By: Daniel Brooks

Daniel Brooks — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:11 +0000

Josh, I generally like what you post and agree with you probably on most things. I would, however, like to interject a mild disagreement on one area of this post. I think “basic Bible knowledge” is setting expectations too low. I believe that “all” Christians (i.e. the layman and established convert) should have “basic Bible knowledge”. Youth Pastor’s should have better than “basic” knowledge in this area. I am not saying they should have all the answers (because God knows I don’t), but I do believe we “should study to show ourselves approved”. I understand you may have been trying to paint this area in your post with a stroke of humility, but I believe Scripture admoinishes those in leadership to a higher standard in this area.

By: Jody

Jody — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:39:04 +0000

I would also add patience. While this might not necessarily be considered a skill, it is definitely something learned. And after 10 years in student ministry, it is in my opinion the one that makes or breaks you.

By: Austin

Austin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:35:08 +0000

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!