Are you a Youth Ministry Volunteer?

 Whether you are a Sunday School teacher, camp sponsor, clean-up specialist, or somewhere in between, your job as a youth ministry volunteer is a vital ministry role that makes a difference in your church and in the lives of teenagers. 

 I’ve worked part-time in vocational youth ministry for twenty years. I have a Master’s degree in Christian Education with a Youth Ministry specialization. I’ve written and led Bible studies, planned retreats and day camps, and played too many games of “Never Have I Ever” to count. And now, I’m even parenting teenagers.  

 I’m not too sure how successful these endeavors have been in my eyes or the eyes of the world, or even the eyes of the church, but I’ve had lots of fun hanging out with teenagers and trying to lead them to be more like Jesus and live for the glory of God.   

Don’t get the wrong idea, though. I would never be able to do any of these things in youth ministry without adult volunteers.  

 YOU, parent or caring adult, are vital to a healthy youth ministry, and it’s not just to serve pizza!  

 I’ve always served in small church youth ministry. At times, I could “handle” the Bible Study, event, or trip alone. And, at times, it has been necessary to do so.  

But when you, dear volunteer, are missing, the youth are missing out!  

 I’m sure many times you feel like you are just at the youth event to serve pizza, move chairs, or drive the van. But don’t let your feelings or the lack of recognition fool you. The youth need YOU as much or more than they need their youth minister. 

Why do youth need adult volunteers hanging around? 

Youth ministry volunteers provide loving, long-term role models for students in their church.  

Can’t I, as the youth minister do all that? Well, yes. But you, youth ministry volunteer, will be more successful. Here’s why. 

Three Reasons Youth Ministry Volunteers Are Vital in the Local Church

1. Students need the LOVE of Youth Ministry Volunteers.

 First, students know that I, as their youth minister, love them, but they also know I am paid to be there. It’s not a lot in a small, part-time position, but I do get a paycheck every month. 

You are there just because you love them. And the more people who show Christ-like love to teenagers, the better. They need support through these challenging years when their faith will become their own.

When you ask about their day, how their test went, or congratulate them on a big win, they know you care. When you remember their grandparent is sick or they have upcoming cheerleader tryouts you take a personal interest in their lives. It’s not usually something planned or formal, but just small talk as you serve them that pizza or set up chairs together that  shows genuine love. 

3. Youth Ministry Volunteers are THE role models for teens.

 YOU are the role model for most teenagers. Of course, the youth minister tries to set an example, but only a very few kids in the group feel called to the ministry. They may love and look up to their youth minister, but they see themselves growing up to be like YOU, youth ministry volunteer!

Students need to see laypersons—ordinary people—who love and serve God with all of their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. They must know this call to a holy life isn’t for any elite class (though, of course, there isn’t one anyway). They need godly examples of teachers, bankers, carpenters, plumbers, lawyers, stay-at-home-moms, etc. who serve God by serving others in the church, in the workplace, and at home.

 YOU, youth ministry volunteer.

You are their real role model. 

A note to Volunteer Youth Ministers

Some of you volunteers may be THE youth minister, although you don’t get paid. The majority of churches across America are small and depend on volunteers to have any specialized student ministry. This post especially applies to you. 

Without you, there would be no youth ministry in your church. You and those who volunteer to minister with you provide long term, loving examples that are just as valuable as a full-time paid youth minister with a seminary education serving a large church. 

In our small county of around 40 churches, we have one full-time youth minister, a handful of part-timers, and many remarkable youth ministry volunteers. We all work together for the glory of God with a passion to see youth know and love Jesus. There is no seniority or special status based on position. We love teenagers and serve God together.

So the next time you are just preparing snacks or cleaning up after the big event, remember YOUR presence is VITAL in your church youth ministry. And it’s not just to serve pizza. 

Thank you, volunteer who loves teenagers and loves Jesus, for all you do! Forgive us for not always showing our gratitude.

And remember, fellow servant of Jesus, even a cup of cold water does not go unnoticed by your Heavenly Father. 

Keep loving, keep serving, keep living for Jesus before the watching eyes of teenagers. 

Great is your reward in Heaven.

Need a simple outline to share the gospel with teenagers (or anyone else)?. See Know Jesus or What is the Gospel Anyway.