How to Become a Youth Pastor.

I have been asked this question many times while in ministry. I have wanted to put something on paper for a while now, so I finally got the time to put something together this article. I have been on both sides of the table when it comes to youth pasturing positions; here are some pointers I can give. Youth pasturing is very different to children’s, senior, or worship pasturing. It entails a bit of everything but still remains a unique ministry. I have seen many situations where people have tried to use the vacation of youth pasturing as a stepping stone, to a main line church pastor, this often ends in disaster and a very unhappy student ministry or youth pastor.

The point I am making is if you’re interested in becoming a youth pastor, with the motivation that it may be a calling God has placed on your life then go ahead, but if it’s to pass the time or a stepping stone to a different ministry then be careful. That’s not to say your season might not change in youth ministry, it often does. I know a bunch of great youth pastors that are married, have kids and are quite old. This is not the common picture of people in youth ministry. Seasons change and that’s ok as long as it’s a season motivated by the Holy Spirit and not our own disappointments or gain. So let’s get to it!

I would love to say that youth pastors are well paid but sadly that is not always the case. Generally speaking big churches can afford to pay their staff substantially more then smaller churches. It’s very seldom that we find the youth pastor earning a similar salary as the main pastor, for that reason it becomes difficult to sustain a family on the salary. So understand that being a youth pastor often means shopping in the specials isle and driving a second hand car. Although I would not trade my calling for anything even a shiny Ferrari. Even though things have gone really tough at times, God has provided over and over. That is why I place such an emphasis on making sure that you feel a calling from God, to enter the world of youth ministry. It does have its perks depending on the church but that really cannot be the motivation.  It’s all about the calling on your life.

Youth Pasturing from the out side looks very attractive. Some people have even said all I do is drink coffee and have meetings all day. They don’t see the behind the scenes stuff like the conflict, and the late nights, the times where everyone leaves and you’re left staking the chairs, the late nights of counseling and so on. I don’t mean to turn you off but realize that it’s not all sunshine and roses in fact the sunshine and roses die’s down pretty quickly after a while. Know the best part of my vacation is seeing a young person pray for the first time, or having a really passionate worship evening where every one is focused on what God is about to do, the moments where young people

This is where the rubber hits the road, youth pasturing is a calling. I describe a calling as something God has called you to. Think of it this way, it’s something you do that makes you happy and content even though the situations you face are bleak.  I would like to encourage you to really pray about becoming a youth pastor and if it still is in your heart pursue it with all your heart.

If you’re not sure I would recommend you get some wise counsel by speaking to a Youth Pastor, Mentors or some one godly you can trust. Try spending some time with a youth pastor even if it’s just for a day. I’m sure most youth pastors would love the company. Just make sure you arrange it well in advance.

There are quite a few options you might consider when it comes to training and education, I would recommend that you at least get one ears worth of studies or do a year of your life under your belt before applying for a position.

Doing a year of your life that focuses primarily on growing you as a Youth Pastor. Once you’re sure that this is potentially something you would like to do then, I would recommend you do a year of your life. There are quite a few organizations that do a year of your life that at the end of the year recommend students to positions in churches.

Study a BTH part time, through a reputable institute, I recommend you look at SATS (South African Theological Seminary) as their internationally recognized and you can complete your degree online. A great way to get qualified is to start studying a BTH. Ask your local church if there is any institute that they may recommend. The Bachelor of Theology is a three year degree. I would recommend that you could start looking for a position after doing a year. You can then continue your studies part time. Try to find an institute that has youth ministry as a subject.

Study a BTH or Diploma full time is an option that opens up doors to new ministries. However many people who aspire to become youth pastors want to enter into the ministry as soon as possible. I would almost say that studying a BTH before you become a youth pastor is slightly over kill. However obtaining a BTH while in ministry is a must for future prospects.

Look for positions and apply: Websites, magazines, word of mouth. Once you have gained some level of experience I recommend you start looking for a position.  Be open minded when considering a position. It is not a good idea to form a bad position of a church or denomination based on your experience with one congregation. Do your homework before you go for an interview! We have some great questions to get you prepared in one of our articles so take a look. I recommend you put as much as you can about your participation and skills relating to your previous experience in a church even if it’s just helping in the Sunday school. On the day of your interview don’t be nervous spend some time in prayer before.

I pray that this might help you and answer a few of your questions about how to become a youth pastor. If there are any more please don’t hesitate to ask.

Blessings

The YPastor team!