I like a busy youth ministry. I like when kids come in and have a job; that’s why I don’t do everything. I leave things undone on purpose so kids will have something to do when they get to the church.
I believe in the economy of youth ministry. Youth Ministries are like small cities. When people are working and invested there is less crime, less blight, and less vandalism. Same is true for our ministries. More kids who serve weekly or monthly there are less complaints, less griping, less boredom, and more vision.
Here are some roles I have given out over the years. Some were a natural part of my youth ministry and some I created because I had students gifted in that area. By the way, nothing on this list is sacred or proprietary. If you can do it a student can do it with a little training and mentoring.
Create Worship Slides
Make Announcements
Take Offering
Poetry reading ( I had a kid who did this)
Pre-Rap your message (had a kid intro my message with a rap)
Share a testimony
Cafe (weekly serve snacks and refreshments)
Clean the room
Set up chairs
Lead the game
Sing A Song
Do A Dance
Do a Drama/Monologue
Play in the band
Lead Worship
Design Graphics
Weekly Photographer/Videographer
Run Your Social Media
Read Scripture
Run The Sound Board
Preach
Teach
Small Group Leader
Run the computer
Do An illustration
Edit Video
Make Movies/Slides For The Message or Fun
Greeter
Follow Up Leader For New Guests
Mentor Middle School Students
Disciple New Believers
Check out my article, Is Your Youth Ministry Hiring for my thoughts on the economy of youth ministry.
Here’s a video I created that goes into more detail on my philosophy of student leadership.
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