Qualifications for a Student Ministry Leader

Genuine Love of Christ

“For Christ’s love compels us…” (2Cor 5:14). No other motivation is sufficient to carry you through the rigors of working with youth over a long period of time; Christ’s agape love just gives and gives without expecting a response.

Sincere Love for Students

“Love must be sincere” (Rom 12:9). Not everyone can tolerate adolescents. You might be uncomfortable with their music, jargon, dress, and style of life, but a sincere love for the person will speak volumes to them. Do not fake it—they can spot a phony.

Flexibility and Ability to Hang Loose

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2Tim 4:12). Each class, each week, each one-on-one situation brings a different set of circumstances. If you can’t flex, you will be totally frustrated.

Enthusiasm

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col 3:23). Gloom and negativism is contagious—so is enthusiasm! Serving God by ministering to youth is one of the highest callings in the kingdom of God. Serve Him—enthusiastically with all your heart.

Loyalty

“All men will know that you are my disciple if you love one another” (John 13:35). If the youth leadership team functions in harmony and genuine love, it will spread to the youth. Let’s support one another, empathize with one another, and encourage one another.

Dependability

“Well done good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). The greatest ability is dependability! If you fulfill all your responsibilities to the best of your ability, you will honor the Lord and see a fruitful youth ministry.

Confidentiality

“Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise, but as wise” (Eph 5:15). If a young person confides in us, you must not share it with other students or other leaders if it is deemed gossip. In certain cases such as abuse or violence, you are legally required to report what you hear. Please see the Student Minister in such cases. Do not promise confidentiality to a student.

Strength and Firmness

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). Remember you are a son or daughter of the King of Kings with all rights and privileges that go with it. Therefore, act like on, in royal humility. Most kids respond to strong, consistent leadership.

Cheerfulness

“Rejoice in the Lord always…” (Phil 4:4). A good sense of humor will get you through many difficult circumstances and add to the enjoyment of all. Students need to laugh; they need to be around positive, upbeat people. They will feel welcome in an atmosphere of love and laughter.

Sensitivity

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:4-5). Compassion is feeling the need of others to the point that you do something about it. Biblical love is not passive; it is always active. It reaches out. It empathizes. It is personal. Be very tender with students’ feelings.

Patience

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom 12:12). To be in a room full of teenagers is not always easy. We tend to be judges when we should be patient leaders. We must win the right to be heard and this takes time. See these kids through the eyes of the Lord and we will see beyond their attitudes and behaviors.

Consistency of Spiritual Life

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil 4:6). There is no way to be an effective youth leader apart from a daily vital, personal walk with Christ. Make time for prayer and Bible study. Find an accountability partner. Let your students see you in your desire to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Share with your students about what the Lord is teaching you as this will encourage their own personal walk.