Recruiting Adult Leaders. Part 2

Part 2: What to Look for in Adult Leaders and How to Find Them

Let’s be real: recruiting adult leaders for youth ministry is tough. It’s not just about finding people who are willing to help—it’s about finding the right people. You know, the ones who can actually connect with students and stick around long enough to make an impact.

It took me a while to figure out what I should even be looking for in a leader. Once I nailed that down, the next step was figuring out where to find them (spoiler: they’re probably closer than you think). Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

What Makes a Great Leader?

First of all, nobody’s perfect. So if you’re holding out for that unicorn of a leader who’s funny, wise, endlessly patient, and full of energy, you might be waiting a while. Instead, focus on finding people with the right heart.

Here’s my short list of what to look for:

• Someone who loves Jesus. This is non-negotiable. They don’t have to have a theology degree, but they do need a real relationship with Jesus that they’re willing to share.

• Someone who’s real. Teenagers can smell fake from a mile away. Your leaders don’t need to be trendy or extroverted—they just need to be authentic and willing to invest in students.

• Someone who shows up. Consistency is everything in youth ministry. You need leaders who keep their word and show up when it matters.

• Someone who can roll with it. Plans change. Kids are unpredictable. A good leader can adapt and laugh it off.

• Someone safe. This is huge. Leaders need to be trustworthy and create an environment where students feel protected—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Oh, and don’t forget about diversity. Having leaders of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities makes your team stronger. Plus, it gives students more chances to connect with someone they can relate to.

Where to Find Them

Okay, so you know what you’re looking for. Now, where do you actually find these magical people?

1. Pray First: This isn’t just a cliché. God has a way of leading you to the right people. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed for leaders and then suddenly thought of someone I hadn’t considered before.

2. Ask Your Students: Teens are great at pointing out who’s already making an impact in their lives. I’ve had students suggest adults I never would’ve thought of, and they turned out to be amazing leaders.

3. Talk to Your Current Team: Your existing leaders are goldmines for referrals. They know the role, and they can spot others who would be a good fit. Bonus: they can help with the recruiting process!

4. Make It Personal: Forget the pulpit announcements. That’s easy, and many times we revert to what is easy, but you don’t just want anyone! If you want someone to join your team, talk to them one-on-one. Share your vision and explain why you think they’d be great at it. A little encouragement goes a long way.

5. Look in Unexpected Places: Some of the best leaders I’ve ever had were older adults who didn’t think they “fit the mold.” Don’t overlook people who might not seem like the obvious choice—they could surprise you.

How to Ask Without Being Awkward

Here’s the thing: recruiting is basically sales. You’re asking people to give their time and energy to something they may not fully understand. That’s why it’s so important to explain the why.

When I talk to someone about joining the team, I don’t just say, “Hey, we need help with youth group.” I tell them why I think they’d be amazing at it. I share stories about what God is doing in our ministry and how they could be a part of it. And I give them space to think it over—I’m not here to pressure anyone into saying yes.

Pro tip: If someone’s unsure, offer them a small role to start. Sometimes dipping a toe in is all it takes for someone to realize they’re all-in. I’ve gotten a lot of amazing people just by asking them to serve pizza at youth group on a Wednesday night.

Your Turn

What about you? Do you have a go-to strategy for finding leaders, or are you still trying to figure it out? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear what’s worked (or not worked) for you. Let’s swap ideas and make this process a little easier for everyone.