Recruiting Adult Leaders. Part 1.

Part 1: Why Recruiting Adult Leaders Is So Challenging (and Why It’s Worth It)

If there’s one thing about youth ministry that I didn’t fully expect when I started, it’s how hard it can be to recruit adult leaders. I mean, it’s not like people are banging down the doors to sign up. And honestly, I get it—most people feel like they don’t fit the mold, or they’re worried about the time commitment.

Still, adult leaders are absolutely essential for a thriving youth ministry. So even though it’s one of the hardest parts of the job, I keep pushing through. And you know what? It’s totally worth it.

Why Is It So Tough to Find Leaders?

Let me paint a picture for you: I spot someone in the congregation who I think would make an amazing youth leader. I approach them after church, share the vision, and ask if they’d consider joining the team. Nine times out of ten, I get some version of this response:

• “Oh, no, I’m not cool enough to work with teens!”
• “I’m so busy; I just don’t have the time.”
• “Teenagers scare me.”

Sound familiar? It happens all the time. And I get it—working with teenagers can seem intimidating. Plus, there’s this stereotype that youth ministry is all about being young, trendy, and full of endless energy. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Here’s the thing: students don’t need someone who’s “cool.” They need someone who’s consistent. They want adults who show up, care about them, and are willing to listen. That’s it.

Another big challenge is the way people view youth ministry. A lot of folks think it’s just about organizing games or chaperoning events. What they don’t realize is that youth ministry is about relationships, discipleship, and helping students grow in their faith. It’s way more meaningful than it looks on the surface—but getting people to see that can take some work.

Why I Keep Going

As frustrating as recruiting can be, I’ve learned that it’s worth sticking with it. Watching adult leaders step into these roles and thrive is one of the coolest parts of my job. I’ve seen people go from “I don’t think I can do this” to “Wow, God is using me in ways I never imagined.”

And the impact on students? Incredible. A good leader can be a rock for students during one of the most chaotic times in their lives. They don’t have to have all the answers—they just need to be present. That consistency and care can make all the difference in a teenager’s life.

What About You?

So yeah, recruiting adult leaders isn’t easy, but I promise it’s worth the effort. If you’ve been in the trenches of recruiting, what’s been the hardest part for you? Or better yet, what’s worked for you? Let’s share ideas and help each other out—I’d love to hear your story! Comment below OR if you need some advice about your specific context, consider signing up for a 1on1 coaching session.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this Recruiting Adult Leaders series.