Do you feel as if you are being called to the ministry within your religion? Do you have a special interest in addressing the spiritual needs of youth within your church?
If this sounds like you, consider becoming a youth pastor.
In this article, we'll talk about what youth pastors do and give you a step-by-step process you can follow to pursue this fulfilling career.
What Does a Youth Pastor Do?
A youth pastor works with children and teenagers within a church or religious organization. Youth pastors are tasked with encouraging the spiritual growth of these young people.
Serving as a youth pastor encompasses many duties and skills, and no two days are exactly the same.
A youth pastor may preach a sermon to the youth one day, meet one-on-one with a teenager to answer questions the next day, and lead a fun group activity the day after that.
Other youth pastor job duties may include:
- organizing outreach activities in the community
- teaching Bible classes and leading discussions
- helping at church summer youth camps
- building relationships with the congregation's youth
- serving as a counselor or mediator for troubled youth and their families
A youth pastor's life revolves around service. The youth pastor's greatest calling is to support the youth in their spiritual journeys as well as the struggles of daily life.
What Qualities Do You Need To Be a Youth Pastor?
Youth pastors must be caring, selfless individuals. They must care more about helping others than pursuing their own interests.
They must also have excellent leadership skills since they are often in charge of leading group activities and providing guidance to impressionable young people.
The best youth pastors are friendly, trustworthy, respectable, honest, and enthusiastic. They have great communication skills, particularly when it comes to meeting kids on their level.
Youth pastors typically work in churches, but they may be employed by other religious organizations as well.
Depending on the needs of the congregation or employer, youth pastors may work part-time, or they may work long or irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Still feel that this is the career path and calling for you? If so, follow the steps below to become a youth pastor:
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Some congregations will hire youth pastors without a degree, but the vast majority prefer candidates who hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Depending on the preferences of your employer, you may be able to get a job as a youth pastor with any bachelor's degree.
In most cases, however, it's best to pursue a ministry-related degree from a college or seminary.
If your school offers a youth ministry degree, this is the best option. Majoring in youth ministry will prepare you specifically for the challenges you may face as a youth pastor.
If a youth ministry degree is not available, consider majoring in Christian ministry, theology, or religious studies.
Even if you decide to major in an unrelated field, consider taking electives on youth ministry, psychology, religious history, and related subjects.
Step 2: Consider Pursuing a Master's Degree
Holding a master's degree generally isn't required to become a youth pastor. But pursuing this advanced degree has its perks.
Having a master's degree will help to set you apart from other candidates applying for the same positions, giving you an edge when you are looking for a job.
What's more, if you hope to pursue general ministry as your career progresses, having a master's degree will give you a better chance to move up in your career.
A master's degree program in ministry, theology, or related field makes an excellent option for any aspiring minister, whether you plan to work with the youth long term or pursue other opportunities.
Step 3: Complete an Internship
Depending on your specific program of study, you may have opportunities to work internships while pursuing your bachelor's or master's degree.
Even if an internship experience isn't included with your degree, it's a good idea to seek out these opportunities on your own.
Check with churches or other organizations within your community. Find out if they are offering any internship opportunities for working with the youth.
Working an internship will give you valuable on-the-job experience, allowing you to find out what it's like to be a youth pastor day in and day out.
You will have the opportunity to work with kids and teenagers while also networking with other members of the ministry, learning from them along the way.
Step 4: Volunteer
Whether or not you pursue a degree program or work internships, having extensive volunteer experience may help you to stand out from the crowd.
You can gain this volunteer experience in any number of ways.
Consider helping out at a food kitchen or homeless shelter, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or picking up trash at a local park.
Anything that shows your heart to serve and desire to help the community can be a beneficial volunteer experience.
Not only will it look good on a resume, but it will help you broaden your skills as you interact with a wide range of people from all walks of life.
Step 5: Build Relationships
As you work toward becoming a youth pastor, focus on building relationships along the way.
Be a friend to your peers and teachers in college. Reach out to kids you meet during internship and volunteer opportunities. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect.
Finding ways to show that you care will go a long way to helping people, especially kids, trust you.
Build these relational skills early so that, by the time you land your first job, forming relationships will come naturally to you.
Become a Youth Pastor Today
Being a youth pastor is more than a job; for many, it's a calling. If you feel you have been called to become a youth pastor, following the steps above will help you along your journey.
