Top 10 Resolutions for the Christian Youth Leader

Every year, millions of people look back at the previous year to plan and look forward to the future. It is a time to see what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change to make this next year run smoother and more efficiently. For the youth worker, making resolutions is a great way to accomplish your goals. Serving in youth ministry is becoming increasingly difficult. However, I believe that it is more important now than ever. Gen Z is open and ready to hear about Jesus. Thank you for your passion and commitment to serving the next generation! Here are ten tips to be more effective in your work:

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1. KEEP THE GOSPEL FIRST AND SHARE IT AT EVERY EVENT

In my early years as a youth worker, I had always thought that the most critical part of youth ministry was to get students to come to youth group and Sunday school. To do so, I assumed I needed an entertaining night/morning, great games, comfy couches, and a pool table. After about three months, I realized I was accomplishing my goal of getting students in the church doors but failing to provide the Gospel. Sharing the Gospel at every opportunity is essential to youth ministry! It does not have to be new or jazzed up, but it does need to be consistent. You never know when someone may be ready to receive it. It is our job to provide it.

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2. BE IN THE WORD DAILY

Care for your spiritual needs as well. The only way to constantly pour into students is by ensuring that your cup is full. One way to do this is by reading the Bible daily. If you expect to share the Gospel, you have to know the Gospel. The best way to know it is to read Scripture, study it, memorize it, and apply it. It also sets an example we want our students to follow.

3. LOVE STUDENTS THE WAY GOD LOVES STUDENTS

Love should define who we are as Christians. Jesus commands us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:28-31). God’s love has no limits and no end. Unfortunately, our love is limited. We show love when it is convenient but are unwilling to go the extra mile to love our neighbor. 

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As youth workers, we must love our students unconditionally. Developing a genuine compassion for your students stems from an understanding of the compassion God has had and continues to have for us. If our love only seeks to win souls to Christ or make us look good for the lead pastor, then we are not loving well. We are merely trying to look good to those around us.

4. BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE, NOT WHAT CHRISTIANS SAY YOU SHOULD BE

Students are looking for someone to be authentic. Be open with who you are. You don’t have to put on a show. If you mess up, be honest about it. It will show students that you are relatable. Be happy with who God created you to be.

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5. HELP STUDENTS SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF MISSIONS AND UNDERSTAND THE GREAT COMMISSION

When students think about missions, they picture a trip to Mexico with the youth group. You go to Mexico, build a church, and then spend a day at Disneyland. I have seen the impact of short-term mission trips in my years leading Royal Servants trips. They can deepen a student’s relationship with Jesus and expose them to global missions. 

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However, missions is more than just a short-term experience. Our faith is a year-round faith. Help your students understand the opportunities for missions year-round. It is in their schools, their homes, and even their churches. Challenge your students to take part in missions today.

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6. RAISE UP LEADERS WITHIN YOUR GROUP

Developing leaders to pass on responsibilities should be one of your main goals as a youth worker. We are to be engaged in disciple-making. We want to equip students with tools to be leaders within their peer groups, schools, and families. Pray and choose a few students to meet with regularly. Give them responsibilities within the youth group and watch them take ownership and meet the high expectations you set for them.

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7. RECRUIT HELP

If you have more than eight students in your group, you need help. The more people you have pouring into the lives of students, the more students will be able to be filled up. Recruit quality people who have a passion for reaching youth. Teach and train them to take on responsibilities. Set up quarterly meetings to communicate your expectations and allow them to express what they need from you. Cast your vision upon them so they can help make it a reality.

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8. STAY UPDATED ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN STUDENTS’ LIVES AND THE WORLD

While the world is rapidly changing, be attentive to the changes. You do not have to like or conform to the change. However, to be effective, we must proclaim the Gospel message in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. The Gospel is still relevant, and we must challenge our students to apply it to their lives. 

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9. STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS

Programming, meetings, and dealing with parents can keep us from focusing on our students. To stay focused, it may help to change routines. Routines can often become a way of going through the motions. Change up your weekly rhythms. Go to a new coffee house for your study. Establish a day of prayer every month. Get outside! 

10. RUN THE RACE WITH ENDURANCE

Burnout is a huge factor in youth work. It is often a thankless job that deals with more church politics than wanted or even necessary. You may be discouraged when you don’t see the fruits of your labor. When doubt, frustration, and depression kick in, remind yourself that it is worth it. 

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You are pouring the Gospel into the next generation and it will not return void! When all is said and done, and you stand before God, you will hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” That is worth it. Those words are worth the fight. We do this not for earthly gain but because He is worthy!