Making the decision to become a youth minister can be a very rewarding career choice, though there is a potential for an element of stress associated with this position.
As a youth minister, there is the opportunity to touch the lives of local youth and make an impact on future generations. However, someone considering a career as a youth minister must also consider what many churches require before applying for this type of position. Most churches use an application process just like those used in traditional jobs to find the best candidate.
Youth Minister Training
When seeking a youth minister, churches will want an applicant to have some type of advanced training or degree before considering a candidate for the position. This training may be a degree from a Christian college or courses completed through a denomination. Some denominations, like the Assemblies of God, conduct private training courses specifically for youth ministers. Most of these courses cover basic knowledge of the Bible and also training in working with children.
When dealing with youth, a youth minister will need to have experience handling certain problems like abuse, drug use, and even teen pregnancy. Some classes are targeted at working with specific age groups as well. The problems one will face with teenagers will not be the same as those with elementary aged children.
Experience Working with Children
Some churches will want to see that an applicant has worked with children in the past. This could be personal experience having children, or it could be training received working under another pastor assisting with a youth group.
Some churches offer intern programs just like commercial companies. One can work with a group of kids for a certain period of time and receive a certificate stating success in training. Another option is working with not-for-profit charities, volunteering time to help teens or children in need. Working with foster children or children at risk can provide excellent training to be a youth minister as well.
Bible Knowledge is Key
Some churches require an applicant to take a test before being considered for the position as a youth minister. Prepare to be tested on Bible knowledge, in addition to answering questions about how to deal with many different situations that may arise on the job. Don't be surprised to be asked about personal interpretation of certain scriptures and personal views on world events.
Many churches will also require a criminal background check and a credit check. They will want to see that an applicant can be trusted to be alone with children and responsible with funds. Many churches expect the youth minister to manage funds for the youth group. Many churches look at credit and criminal history as a measure of moral character.
Youth Minister Interviewing Skills
After applying for a youth minister position, one may be required to complete a series of interviews. First comes an interview with a panel of other pastors, elders, and deacons, as well as with the head pastor. During the panel interview, the interviewers will be allowed to ask a series of questions of what goals and plans each applicant has for the youth group. They will want to know what direction is seen for the youth group.
Do homework before this interview. For example, if there is a goal to build a 500-member youth group and the church cannot financially afford to expand that quickly, it is important to know this ahead of time. In most instances, applicants will be allowed to ask questions as well, and find out what the church expects from a youth minister.
Becoming a youth minister is much different than taking on a commercial job. It is more of a lifestyle commitment than just a nine-to-five job requirement. Be prepared to deal with a wide variety of issues. However, at the same time expect to be highly rewarded for efforts well done. Many a teen thinks of a youth minister as one of the most fun and most trusted people in his life.
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