Youth Pastor’s Job Description

This is a scary exercise! One day I was randomly thinking, what in the world do I do? So, like any detailed person would do, I made a list. Here’s a picture of the list.

Yeah… I was feeling overwhelmed that day and to be honest this is NOT the complete list of all the things we are asked to do as a youth pastor! We carry a huge burden. It’s a struggle to keep our heads above water. I’m not so sure what the answer is other than good time management and delegation.

So how in the world do we manage to keep the ship from falling apart or worse yet, let someone down? I think the answer lies in perspective and a strong sense of God’s calling on your life. We are not good at keeping our perspective because there is typically always someone in our faces or there is another event to put together. We are also not good at keeping God’s call on our life front and center either. Why? Busyness is the destroyer of perspective and exhaustion is the distractor of calling.

I also believe the answer lies in spiritual, emotional and physical health. Yep, some call it “balance”, but I call it “harmony.” There are seasons in youth ministry. (School season, equipping season, travel season. Etc.) We need to learn the harmony of the year and seek to give ourselves grace when it’s tough. Knowing your limits and working hard to create margins for family, rest and sabbath help bring our calling and perspective back in line.

Have you made a list of all the things you’re responsible for? I would love to see it. Post a comment OR better yet schedule a time to meet with me and let’s regain our sense of perspective and calling.