'I am 23 years old and have been blessed with a student ministry that has 28 volunteers and apx. 175 students on a given week. I am asking seasoned youth pastor vetrans for advice and strategies that I could use to lead volunteers that are more experienced than myself.'
How does a young youth pastor lead volunteers that are more experienced?
(2 posts) (2 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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hey n8bristol!
thanks for posting on a topic that many young youth leaders think about but few have the courage to seek wisdom regarding. that places you in a select few right away. twenty plus years in youth ministry equals too many thoughts on this topic. let me try to drill down to five ideas:
1. be encouraged: everyone over 23 years old was 23 years old at some point. we have all been there. you are not alone. you cannot be more old or experienced than you are, so don't pretend that you have experience that you don't.
2. be a professional. have a plan and articulate it on paper. have an end. have a plan to accomplish that end. plan your work, work your plan.
3. spend more time with leaders and parents than you do students. people will not follow someone they don't know or trust. trust is the currency of any relationship. trust has to be earned.
4. when you meet with adult leaders, give them something of substance. we condition people how to see us and treat us. invest in your leaders relationally and spiritually.
5. your age means you are not far removed from students. that can be such a great advantage but a tempting sidebar if you are not careful. remember: students do not need another friend... they need a leader. this does not mean abandon relationship. it simply means LEAD. adults watch you interact with students. many times they will take their cue for followship from how you lead students.so much to say about such a huge need and topic. hope this tiny bit helps. praying for you.
stuart hall.
Posted 2 years ago #
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