“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.” Philippians 2:19-24
This is a glowing recommendation. Here’s the 5 qualities you should consider highlighting the next time you write or re-write your resume.
I have no one else like him
Uniqueness is critical to any interview. What differentiates you from any other applicant? Why should they hire you and not that other guy/girl? Before you add any unique qualities to your resume ask yourself if the church you are applying for is looking for different or do they just want more of the same.I If it;s the latter don’t change anything, if the latter, put on your resume interesting things you’ve done, places you been, awards you’ve won, instruments you play, etc.
He’ll show genuine love and concern
Empathy is an awesome quality. Can you see where other people are coming from? Can you put yourself in other people’s shoes? Put references on your resume that can attest to your love for people and not just your accomplishments. If you have a passion for local or foreign mission put what trips you’ve been on and how you served. Something that is genuine is easily spotted but so is something that is faked. Share what your not good and but emphasis what you are really good at. Be authentic in your interview. Don’t conform just to get the job. If you fake it and get he job you will most likely be miserable in the long run.
He’s proven
We are always writing our resumes with our actions. Too many youth workers who skip from church to church and ministry to ministry have only proven they can be planted and be a consistent presence in the life of families and students. As a youth worker we have to over come certain stereotypes such as we’ not very deep, we’re lazy, all we know how to do is play games, and that we are immature. Finish this sentence In my x amount of time in (youth)ministry, people would say am a/I have proven ____________________________
He’s a servant
Servanthood can’t really be conveyed as bullet point
- I’m atheletic
- I’m musically inclined
and oh, by the way,
- I’m a servant.
Although you cannot convey this in your resume you could include your desire to serve in your cover letter. Be careful if you say, “Willing to serve anywhere…” because an ungracious church will put that to the test and then you have to own up to it. I would show a servants heart by
- showing up early to your interview
- ask how you can pray for the church (even if you don’t get the job)
- Send a thank you note for the committee’s time (even if you don’t get the job)
This also will play into number one, be unique, because if the job ever comes open again; who do you think they will remember?
He’s gospel focused.
Hip, young and cool are what I used to be (except for the hip and cool part) but it only got me so far. If anything stood out, it was my passion for lost people. I was focused on getting kids to Jesus and not just just building a program. Keep your daily life about the gospel and not just your professional life. You focus on Jesus and let him build the youth group.
I know comparing ourselves to Timothy is a tall order. he had Paul as a mentor. But, if your Pastor, Youth Pastor, small group leader, boss, supervisor, manager, or team leader cannot say at least some of these about you, you may want to up your game.
Want more? Check out my posts:
The 10 Questions Every Youth Worker Should Be Able To Answer In An Interview?
and
5 Questions Every Youth Pastor Should Ask Their Potential Employer
Your Turn
Do you have someone who ‘d you’ describe as “no one else like him/her’? (This could be a job description)
When someone needs to “be sent” to show compassion or to serve, how high is your name on someone’s list?
What must you change about yourself to become more like Timothy?
Where must you look to find (recruit) someone like Timothy?