How to Become a Youth Pastor
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Youth Pastor
What does a Youth Pastor do?
A Youth Pastor directs religious services and all daily operations of an organization. Provides spiritual leadership, guidance, and assistance to members. Being a Youth Pastor supervises church staff and associated administrative businesses to ensure operational needs are met. Designs and oversees outreach and educational programs and events to support the community. Additionally, Youth Pastor coordinates volunteers to ensure community outreach goals are fulfilled. Performs religious services, leads prayer, and conducts worship. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a regional or chapter manager. The Youth Pastor typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Youth Pastor typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Youth pastors typically find work in local churches and may work in tandem with local youth organizations.
A youth pastor provides youth of all ages and young adults with spiritual guidance and biblical teachings.
Other job responsibilities of the youth pastor include establishing and directing youth services and activities for the church as well as conducting outreach events in the community.
Youth pastors often have a background related to fostering youth or teaching biblical standards.
Youth pastors should have excellent communication skills, be comfortable speaking in front of crowds, and develop relationships in the community.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Youth Pastor
Best tips for those who want to become a Youth Pastor
Here are some tips to become a Youth Pastor.
Get your testimony under 2 minutes.
Communicate your understanding of youth issues.
Have a plan to grow the youth group.
Demonstrate that you understand the big picture.
Be prepared to share your successes.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Youth Pastor
Best colleges and universities for Youth Pastor
- Princeton University
- Providence College
- Rollins College
- Taylor University
- Bentley University
- University of Portland
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Youth Pastor
Is being a Youth Pastor Worth it?
Shane Breidenbaugh, the youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Floral City, has been on the job full time since May.
Shane Breidenbaugh, First Baptist Church of Floral City’s new youth and music pastor, has become a soul on fire in his efforts to win the youths of Citrus County to Christ.
Breidenbaugh also served as a college and music pastor, but ended up being asked to coach baseball and even give pitching lessons for three weeks with his old Little League.
Since assuming the youth and music ministries at First Baptist in Floral City, Breidenbaugh has been meeting with other area youth pastors in an effort to do more activities together, said Cheri Boggs, member of the church’s Public Relations Committee.
“Once they are in the family of God, through relationship with Jesus Christ, every effort will be made to help the youth grow and mature.”.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Youth Pastor
What skills do you need to be a Youth Pastor?
Management is no easy task, and as such, the skill requirements for these types of roles vary greatly. Chief skills for this role are: Community Outreach/Activism, Community Relations, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Bereavement Support, Spiritual Guidance, Religious Services. Expertise in these areas will help you land this, or a similar role.
With expectations so high, it’s vital to find a great youth pastor to lead the youth in your church.
Having incredible people skills goes hand in hand with being any type of effective pastor.
As a youth pastor, people skills are even more important.
It’s also why nearly every job listing for a youth pastor lists organizational skills as a requirement.
However, with youth ministry, you need to understand the cultural issues affecting the youth you’re leading.
Step 6: View average salary for Youth Pastor
How much does a Youth Pastor make?
The average salary range for a Youth Pastor is from $88,543 to $122,105. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Youth Pastor jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Youth Pastor jobs, and apply.
Looking for Youth Pastor jobs?
Here are some Youth Pastor jobs in the United States.