Recapturing Your Joy

by Steve Spence

Somewhere between planning sermons, counseling students, organizing events, and keeping up with parents’ texts, many youth pastors quietly lose something essential—joy. You didn’t mean to. You still love Jesus, and you still care deeply for students, but ministry has slowly become more about managing than ministering. If that’s where you are today, you’re not alone. But the good news is—you can get your joy back.

Joy isn’t something we manufacture; it’s something we protect and refresh. Paul told the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, CSB). That wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a lifeline. Ministry joy flows from the presence of Jesus, but it’s often rekindled through small, intentional choices that renew your heart and perspective.

Here are a few ways to recapture your joy in ministry this month:

Rekindle the Spark

• Recruit new leaders. Fresh faces bring new energy. Invite someone younger or different than you to join the team. Their excitement might just reignite yours.
• Change up your midweek format. Do something unexpected. Cancel your usual program and plan a night of games, worship, or student testimonies. Sometimes joy returns when you stop trying so hard to “get it right.”
• Delegate a responsibility. Give away a task that drains you and let a volunteer own it. Empowering others lightens your load and multiplies your impact.

Refocus Your Heart

• Spend your day off with your spouse or family. Ministry is not meant to steal your joy at home. Schedule something fun, unplug completely, and laugh a lot.
• Go on a prayer walk. Not for your next message—just to talk with Jesus. Ask Him to restore the “why” behind what you do.
• Read a Gospel slowly. Get back to the simplicity of Jesus’ presence and mission. Let His words renew your purpose.

Refresh Your Perspective

• Grab coffee with another youth pastor. Swap stories, share struggles, and pray for each other. Sometimes the most healing thing is realizing you’re not the only one who feels worn out.
• Attend a conference or retreat. Don’t just go for content—go for connection. Worship with others who understand the weight of what you carry. Let God speak to you before you speak to students again.
• Celebrate small wins. A student reading their Bible. A volunteer showing up early. A parent saying thanks. Write them down and thank God for the evidence of His work.

I do most of these pretty often. They are all life-giving, ministry-sustaining activities. Joy doesn’t always return overnight, but it grows when you give God room to restore it. Don’t settle for surviving ministry—step into enjoying it again. You were never meant to fake joy to serve Jesus; you were meant to find joy in serving Him.

One more thing: if you’re feeling dry, don’t go it alone. Click to set up a 1-on-1 coaching session through Fresh Calling—let’s talk about how to help you lead with joy again.