Student Discipleship: Building a Simple Strategy for Your Youth Ministry
Discipleship isn’t a program you plug in—it’s a culture you create. As youth pastors, our mission is more than creating fun events or engaging lessons. We’re called to make disciples of Jesus who grow deep roots, bear fruit, and multiply their faith. But how do we move from sporadic spiritual growth to a consistent, intentional discipleship strategy that actually sticks?
Here’s a practical guide to help you build a discipleship strategy that is both simple and challenging—one that transforms students and equips your adult leaders to do the same.
1. Clarify the Win: What Is a Disciple?
Before organizing anything, define what a “disciple” looks like in your context. Jesus gives us a clear picture in Luke 9:23:
“If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (CSB)
A disciple:
- Denies themselves (surrenders to Christ),
- Takes up their cross (lives with purpose and sacrifice),
- Follows Jesus daily (walks in obedience and relationship).
Use this as your discipleship target. Every Bible study, retreat, and small group should move students toward this definition.
2. Organize Around Relationships, Not Just Content
Discipleship happens best in relationships—not just classrooms. Start with small groups. These are the backbone of relational discipleship. Aim for:
- Gender-specific groups (especially for deeper accountability),
- 4–6 students per group,
- One (or Two) adult leaders committed to spiritual growth, not just attendance.
Meet weekly or bi-weekly, ideally outside of your main youth night. Think living rooms, coffee shops, or even Zoom when needed. The goal: create space for real-life conversation, questions, Scripture discussion, and prayer.
3. Equip Adult Leaders to Be Disciple Makers
Your small group leaders aren’t chaperones—they’re disciple-makers. Many of them want to make an impact but just don’t know how. That’s where your training comes in.
Here’s a simple training framework:
- Vision – Explain why discipleship matters (Matthew 28:19–20).
- Tools – Teach them how to lead spiritual conversations, ask good questions, and model prayer.
- Support – Check in monthly. Share wins. Provide coaching. Celebrate stories.
Equip your leaders before you expect them to lead students. Give them confidence, tools, and ongoing encouragement.
4. Choose Resources That Lead to Reproduction
The win isn’t just helping students grow—it’s helping them become disciple-makers themselves. (I’ve included links to many of these resources below.)
LifeWay’s “Disciples Path” is a solid starting point. The six-volume series walks students through foundational truths in a reproducible way. Each lesson includes Scripture, reflection, and discussion questions—easy for leaders and deep for students.
Replicate Ministries also offers the Foundations 260 Reading Plan, designed to help students read the Bible consistently, memorize key verses, and journal using the HEAR method (Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond). This creates a repeatable method students can eventually use to disciple others.
YM360 has a ton of amazing discipleship lessons. Full of creative and challenging lessons for your groups to walk through together.
5. Don’t Forget the Big Picture: Culture Eats Curriculum
The best discipleship strategy will fall flat if your ministry culture doesn’t support it. So ask:
- Are my weekly gatherings calling students into deeper relationship with Jesus?
- Do my adult leaders model a life of following Jesus beyond Sundays and Wednesdays?
- Is our ministry more focused on attendance or transformation?
Culture shifts slowly, but intentionally. Start with one group. Train one leader. Celebrate one story. Then build from there.
This is not rocket science and there really is no “secret formula.”
Discipleship won’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you’re consistent. Begin with a clear target. Build small, relational groups. Equip your leaders with resources and vision. And create a culture where knowing Jesus and making Him known is the goal.
Jesus didn’t call us to grow ministries. He called us to make disciples.
Recommended Resources: There are other resources for content and curriculum, these are some of what I’ve used lately.
LifeWay Students Resources
Replicate Ministries
YM360
I would love to hear from you. How do you get students into disciple making environments? What sort of process or entry pathways do you have to get students into these groups? How long do your group run? What content do you make available for your leaders? Comment below.
Practical Ministry Helps : Equipping Leaders to Counsel Students at Camp
Summer camp is more than games, lake time, and late-night snacks—it’s often the setting where students hear God’s voice the loudest. As hearts soften and distractions fade, decisions are made that will shape a student’s life forever. Some will trust Christ for the first time. Others will open up about hidden pain they’ve carried for years. Still others will feel called to ministry, healed from bitterness, or stirred to live more boldly in their faith.
And when that moment comes—when a student turns to you, eyes brimming with emotion—will you be ready? Will your volunteers?
Here’s a guide to help you and your leaders step into these sacred moments with confidence, care, and clarity.
1. Stay Present, Stay Calm
Your presence matters more than your words. Whether a student is weeping over sin, opening up about abuse, or asking how to follow Jesus, your calm, compassionate presence sets the tone.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15 (CSB)
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be there. Listen. Nod. Pray silently as they talk.
Quick Tip for Leaders:
Coach your team to resist the urge to rush in with advice. The goal is to listen well before responding.
2. Leading a Student to Christ
There is no greater privilege than walking someone through salvation. When a student says they want to give their life to Jesus, here’s a simple way to guide them:
- Clarify: Ask what they understand about salvation. Make sure they know it’s not about trying harder, but trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- Explain the Gospel Simply:
- God made us to know Him.
- REPENT: Our sin separates us from Him.
- BELIEVE: Jesus died and rose to make a way back.
- RECEIVE: We respond by turning from sin and trusting in Jesus.
- Romans Road:
- Romans 3:23 – All have sinned.
- Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.
- Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us.
- Romans 10:9-10 – Confess and believe to be saved.
- Pray Together: Let them talk to God in their own words. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Don’t forget to celebrate, affirm, and tell them: “This is the beginning, not the end.”
3. When Students Share Deep Emotional Pain
Some students will share experiences of abuse, depression, self-harm, or family trauma. These are moments that require sensitivity and wisdom.
What to Do:
- Listen First: Don’t interrupt. Let them talk.
- Believe Them: If a student shares about abuse, take it seriously.
- Be Clear About Confidentiality: Say something like, “I care about you and want to help. I may need to share this with someone who can help us take the next steps.”
- Report: If a student discloses abuse, you are legally and biblically responsible to report it to the appropriate authority or your camp director immediately.
- Don’t Counsel Alone: Bring in another trusted adult if needed. Always follow your camp and church’s child protection policy.
“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22 (CSB)
4. Equip Your Volunteers
Not every volunteer will feel ready, but every volunteer can be equipped.
Here’s a simple pre-camp checklist to prepare your team:
- ✅ Train them on listening skills and spiritual conversations.
- ✅ Practice how to walk a student through salvation.
- ✅ Review how to handle a mandatory report of abuse.
- ✅ Give them a short response guide (printable card or phone note) to use when talking with students.
- ✅ Assign a point person (you or a trained adult) for any serious situations.
Encourage them that their role is not to fix, but to walk with students toward Jesus.
5. Plan for Follow-Up
Camp ends, but discipleship begins.
- Document Decisions: Keep track of each student’s spiritual decision or counseling moment.
- Tell Their Parents (as appropriate): Celebrate salvations, and sensitively loop in parents where needed.
- Connect Them to a Mentor: Pair students with a trusted adult for ongoing conversations.
- Publicly Celebrate (with permission): Baptism, testimony videos, or sharing at youth group helps solidify the decision.
- Keep Checking In: Plan a 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up for each student.
“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (CSB)
Final Encouragement:
Camp counseling isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being faithful with the moment you’ve been given. Your quiet presence, your humble listening, and your Spirit-led response can lead to someone’s forever being changed.
So youth pastor, take a breath. Pray for wisdom. Train your team. And get ready.
God’s about to move—and He’s invited you to be part of the story.
I would love to hear some of the strategies you use to equip yourself and your volunteers for this moment at camp. Comment below.
Not Just Another Summer: Leading with Purpose, Not Pressure
I’ve been doing summer youth ministry for over 30 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: summer is a sprint. A really hot, fast, unpredictable sprint. Students are out of school, schedules open up, and the pressure starts building to fill the calendar. I’ve lived through the mindset that if they’re free, I’ve got to plan something. But here’s the truth I’ve learned—just because students are available doesn’t mean it’s my job to fill every square on the calendar.
The goal isn’t to be busy. The goal is to be purposeful. Yes, summer is a unique time to connect with students, build momentum, and go deep—but it doesn’t mean we need to run nonstop. Camps, mission trips, pool parties, late-night hangouts—these things matter, and they can change lives. But don’t fall into the trap of just putting events on the calendar to say you did something. Ministry is more than motion—it’s about meaning.
Here are a few hot takes I’ve picked up along the way to help you stay fresh and faithful through the chaos of summer:
1. Depend on your relationship with the Lord.
Everything starts here. I’ve found that when my personal walk with Jesus is strong, I’m not just surviving the summer—I’m thriving in it. My devotion time isn’t optional—it’s essential. Ministry from overflow beats ministry from exhaustion every time.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
I know that sounds simple, but I’ve had to learn this the hard way. When I treat sleep like a luxury, I pay for it later. You can’t lead well on fumes. Rest is a gift, and getting enough of it keeps you sharper, kinder, and more Spirit-led.
3. Don’t go it alone—use your team.
I’ve done summers where I tried to carry it all myself, and I’ve done summers where I actually let my team lead. Guess which one went better? Volunteers want to help—give them the chance. Delegate clearly and let others take ownership. It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
4. Have fun.
Don’t forget to laugh. Play games, join in the messy stuff, and let yourself enjoy the chaos. The memories you make when you’re fully present with students are often the ones that stick the longest—for them and for you.
5. Set boundaries with your time.
You don’t need to be at everything. You’re allowed to say no. Protect your day off, spend time with your family, and give yourself space to breathe. Boundaries are what keep your calling sustainable—not something that threatens it.
Summer ministry can be one of the richest times in a student’s life—and in yours, too. But it only works if you approach it with purpose, not pressure. After 30+ summers, I’m still learning. But I’ve seen enough to know that when I walk closely with Jesus, lead with intention, and take care of my soul, summer becomes more than just busy. It becomes beautiful.
Let’s go!!!
Got questions or comments about how you navigate the summer? Lets chat. Comment below or set up a free coaching session today.
Managing the Weight of Expectations in Youth Ministry
Ministry can feel like a tug-of-war between calling and expectations.
We stepped into youth ministry because we love Jesus and want teenagers to know Him. But somewhere along the way, the pressure starts stacking up. Parents want communication and results. Students want fun and authenticity. Senior pastors want growth and alignment. And we want to be faithful—but we also want to stay sane.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly falling short—like there’s always someone who needs more than you can give—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing.
You’re simply feeling the weight of expectations. The real question is: How do we carry that weight without it crushing us?
1. Recognize the Pressure Without Owning All of It
You don’t have to make a spreadsheet of every expectation you think people have of you. That’s not helpful—and it’s not healthy. I’ve done that before!
Instead, start by simply acknowledging that the pressure is real. You’re serving a wide range of people, all with different needs, perspectives, and hopes. Some will speak up. Others will stay silent. But their expectations still hang in the air. And that can get heavy fast.
Rather than trying to meet every need, ask God to help you focus on what matters most in this season.
2. Be Honest About What’s Reasonable
You’re not Jesus. You’re not a machine. You’re not a miracle worker. You’re a minister, called by God, and equipped for the work He’s assigned you to do—not someone else’s version of success.
You can’t be everywhere. You won’t please everyone. And that’s okay.
A fair expectation allows you to love students well, lead with integrity, and maintain a healthy life. An unfair expectation demands more than you were created to give. Give yourself permission to acknowledge that difference—with grace, not guilt.
3. Communicate What You Can Give
People don’t need perfection from you—they just need clarity.
Keep parents in the loop. Let your pastor know where your heart is and how you’re pacing yourself. Build a culture of grace in your team by being honest about your priorities and capacity.
The more you proactively communicate the “why” behind your plans and boundaries, the less space there is for confusion or criticism.
You don’t have to defend yourself—you just need to keep the conversation open.
4. Stay Anchored to the Voice That Matters Most
The expectations of people can be loud. But the voice of God is still, calm, and steady.
Spend time listening to Him. Not just preparing your next message, but letting Him remind you who you are. Loved. Called. Enough.
Ministry gets distorted when we start working for approval instead of from identity. Stay close to the Shepherd. He doesn’t drive you with shame—He leads you with peace.
5. Get the Right Support Around You
You can’t do this alone. Every great leader needs space to process, rest, and recalibrate.
That’s why I’ve created Fresh Calling. I offer one-on-one coaching for youth pastors who want to lead from a healthy place and build ministries that last. Whether you’re in a good season or a hard one, I’d love to walk alongside you.
Visit the Fresh Calling Coaching Page to explore coaching options and take a next step toward sustainable, joy-filled ministry.
And as a free resource to help you process expectations in a life-giving way, download our Managing Expectations Worksheet. It’s simple, thoughtful, and designed to help you find peace in the middle of the pressure.
Time keeps slipping away…
Three tips that have helped give me perspective on how to manage my time wisely.
“Does your week manage you, or do you manage your week?”
That’s a question I’ve had to ask myself a lot over the years. If you’re a youth pastor, you already know—the work never stops. There’s always another Sunday to plan for, another Wednesday night message to prep, a fellowship event around the corner, or some last-minute crisis that drops into your lap like a bowling ball. We pour ourselves into creating meaningful moments for our students, but somewhere along the way, it starts to feel like our time is no longer ours.
I’ve lived in that crazy, non-stop loop—where every minute feels packed, and every week feels like it’s managing me, not the other way around. But I’ve learned (and am still learning) how to manage my time with intentionality, purpose, and a whole lot of grace. So if you’re finding yourself out of breath and barely hanging on, I hope these few tips help you like they’ve helped me.
1. Plan it, but hold it loosely.
Every Monday morning, I sit down and map out my week. I block off time for sermon prep, student meetings, leadership development, and family. I try to give each part of my week the attention it deserves and enter the week with a sense of direction.
But then…the phone rings. A student is in crisis. A parent needs to talk. A volunteer can’t make it. You know the drill.
Early on, this used to throw me into panic mode. I’d get frustrated because my “perfect plan” was interrupted. But now, I’ve learned to plan intentionally but hold the plan with open hands. Ministry is fluid. Flexibility is part of the calling. Just because your day doesn’t go exactly how you scheduled it doesn’t mean it wasn’t productive or purposeful. God’s interruptions are often the most meaningful moments in our week.
2. Take a breath.
No, really—breathe.
Once a week, I try to find a quiet corner of my world (usually before the office opens or after my house quiets down), and I ask a simple question in prayer: “God, how do You want to use my time this week?”
It’s amazing how that re-centers me. Instead of rushing into my to-do list, I’m reminded that my schedule is a spiritual tool, not just a productivity checklist. When we take time to think and pray through our time, we become more available—not just physically, but spiritually—to the people God places in our path.
3. Zoom out: Avoid momentary thinking.
It’s so easy to live just in the “next thing”—the next event, next game night, next teaching series. But if we live in constant momentary thinking, we never develop long-term strategy. We just survive.
Managing time well means asking not just, “What’s next?” but “What matters?”
What are you doing this month that helps your students grow in Christ long-term? What are you building in your leaders that will last? What are you investing in personally that keeps you fresh?
Zooming out reminds us that we’re not just running programs—we’re planting seeds that will grow over time. And seeds need margin, thought, and time to be cultivated well.
Fresh for the long haul.
I’m convinced of this: If we can learn the spiritual discipline of managing our time well, we’ll stay fresh in ministry for the long haul.
Burnout often doesn’t come from just “too much work.” It comes from constantly reacting to life instead of leading with purpose. Time is one of the greatest gifts God gives us, and how we steward it says a lot about who (and what) we trust.
So let’s flip the script.
Let’s stop letting our weeks manage us. Let’s put Jesus back in the center of our schedules. Let’s lead our time instead of chasing it. Ministry will still be messy, and interruptions will still come—but with a little bit of margin, some honest prayer, and a whole lot of grace, we can thrive in the middle of it all.
You’ve got this, friend. And more importantly—God’s got you.
Take a Moment to Reflect:
- When was the last time I invited God into my calendar?
- What parts of my week tend to overwhelm me the most?
- What are three things I say “yes” to that I might need to prayerfully reconsider?
- Where am I leaving room for margin—and where am I not?
- Am I building for the long haul or just surviving the week?
- What one small change could I make this week to steward my time better?
I’d love to hear from you—how do you manage your time in the chaos of student ministry? Drop a comment below and share what’s worked for you (or what you’re still wrestling with). And if you’re feeling stuck or just need someone to process your schedule and rhythms with, I’d love to help. You can schedule a free 1-on-1 coaching session with me where we’ll talk through practical ways to stay healthy, lead intentionally, and make space for what matters most. You don’t have to do this alone.
Let’s keep leading well—together.
Learning to lead at home and at church!
I took some time this morning rewriting a previous blog I wrote last fall. “Ministry and Family. Is there such a thing as balance.” I’ve updated it and added some more insights I believe can help the struggling youth pastor navigate the family and ministry. (Pretty sure this is going to be an ongoing conversation.)
I mean I was rockin’ and rollin’ in student ministry during my younger years! I was young, newly married, and living the “dual income, no kids” lifestyle! Students were engaged, ministry was growing, and I thought to myself… “Man, I’ve got this!”
You’ve heard the phrase “pride goes before the fall.” Well, I heard it in the dead of night—from my wife.
Sometime later, things in ministry were cruising. My wife had just given birth to our firstborn, and when we came home from the hospital, I just kept on rockin’ and rollin’. The ministry needed my enthusiasm and energy. It needed the best of me—all the time.
This went on for a month or two, until one night after a long day of ministry, I came home late. Shelley was already in bed with the lights out. I got ready for bed, crawled in, and in the dead of night I heard a simple cry: “I miss you.”
My heart sank. The Lord used that simple three-word phrase to strike a heavy blow to my pride. She was right. In my youthfulness and pride, I made ministry more important than my family.
Ministry—especially youth ministry—has a way of doing that. The rockstar mentality. The “everything revolves around me” trap. The “everything will fall apart if I’m not in it” voice that whispers to our soul. We may never say those things out loud for fear of sounding prideful, but we certainly live them more often than we want to admit.
But our families need us too. Especially when our kids are little. And here’s the tricky part: if we’re not careful, we can swing the pendulum too far in the other direction—ignoring the ministry God has called us to out of guilt or frustration.
So where’s the middle ground?
Here’s my theory: We put so much pressure on performance and not enough on relationship.
Performance says, “You’re not doing enough. Try harder. Please people.”
Relationship says, “Let’s just sit and enjoy this moment together.”
Performance is fuel for perfection and managing expectations.
Relationship is thoughtful and intentional.
Performance is toxic and never-ending.
Relationship is eternal and life-giving.
(You see what I’m getting at.)
Ministry is relationships. Not performance.
Family is rooted in relationship. Not performance.
When we have the right perspective, it brings clarity to our time and our energy. Yes, our family may need to learn to “let go of daddy” for a short time. And yes, the ministry may need to learn to let go of “youth pastor Steve” on some nights too. But there is a harmony to discover. A rhythm where we love our family well and lead our students well.
And I’ll say it again—this is not a 50/50 equation. Harmony isn’t always equal parts. It’s more like a song. Some notes hold longer than others, but they work together to create something beautiful.
Let’s Talk About the “You Should Be There” Trap
There’s another false narrative that creeps into our minds as youth pastors—it’s the one no one says out loud, but we hear it loud and clear: “You should be there.”
A student has a big game. A school concert. A play. A graduation party. A baptism at Grandma’s church. And in our deep sense of pastoral duty—and maybe our pride—we convince ourselves we have to show up to every single one. That’s what good youth pastors do, right?
But here’s the truth: nobody told you that you have to be at everything. Those expectations? They’re usually perceived, not prescribed. And when you have a spouse and little ones at home, those extra hours out start to pull on the very people God’s entrusted you to lead first.
Let me be clear—go to some events! Be present where you can. Cheer your students on. Let them know you see them. But you don’t have to be everywhere. Your ministry isn’t going to crumble if you miss a soccer game. And your student isn’t going to walk away from the faith because you didn’t make it to their school play.
What they will notice is whether or not you’re whole. Whether you’re emotionally present. Whether your home life is thriving.
So go to some events. But not all. Prioritize presence over pressure.
The Marriage Tension We Don’t Talk About Enough
This tension between ministry and home doesn’t just affect your schedule—it impacts your marriage. If you’re married, the balance between church and home isn’t something you can figure out on your own and hope your spouse just goes along with it. It requires honest conversations, consistent check-ins, and humble leadership.
Youth pastor, you need to be the one who initiates those conversations. Don’t wait until your spouse is in tears or fed up. Ask the questions. Seek understanding. Talk about what your schedule looks like. Make space for your spouse to speak freely about how it feels when you’re gone four nights in a row. And then—listen. Really listen.
Communication is key. But so is effort. Your spouse doesn’t just need a conversation—they need your help at home. They need your presence, your partnership, and your willingness to step in with the kids, the meals, the bedtime routines, the dishes, all of it. Ministry starts at home. Don’t sacrifice your marriage on the altar of your calling. God never asked you to do that.
Rhythms That Help
I’ve had to learn—and still am learning—some rhythms that help keep this harmony in check. Here are a few practical things that have made a difference for me:
- Put family nights on your calendar first. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen.
- Share the load with volunteers. You don’t have to be the hero. Let others step up.
- Invite your family into ministry moments—and honor the times they need to stay out of them.
- Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
- Let go of the false belief that everything depends on you. It doesn’t. And that’s actually good news.
Ministry isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about surrender. It’s about trusting God with your family and your flock, and remembering that you’re not their Savior—He is.
So youth pastor, keep going. Keep growing. Keep pursuing harmony over hustle. Because when your heart is healthy, your home and your ministry will follow.
Genuinely, I’m here to help. I’d love to partner with you to find harmony is navigating your home life and your calling. Shoot me an email or set up a 1on1 coaching session. Comment below what you think are more helpful tips in navigating the harmony of home and ministry.
Developing your “Why”
Every youth pastor and ministry leader needs a clear philosophy of ministry—a guiding framework that keeps their purpose, passions, and practices aligned with God’s calling. Without one, it’s easy to drift from one event to the next, missing the bigger picture of why we do what we do. Developing a philosophy of ministry requires intentional reflection on Biblical priorities, personal passions, church alignment, and measurable goals. Here’s how to craft yours. (I’ve also included a downloadable worksheet in this blog post.)
Consider the Basics: Biblical Priorities
Ministry isn’t built on personal preference or trendy programming; it’s grounded in timeless Biblical truths. The five foundational aspects of church ministry found in Acts 2 should shape every decision and direction:
- Worship – Are you leading students to encounter and respond to God with their lives?
- Discipleship – Are students growing deeper in their faith, learning to walk as Jesus did?
- Fellowship – Is your ministry fostering a biblical community where students belong and grow together?
- Missions – Are you mobilizing students to serve others and take the gospel beyond their comfort zones?
- Evangelism – Are lost students hearing the gospel and being invited to follow Jesus? Are your students equipped to share the gospel personally?
A solid philosophy of ministry ensures that every program, event, and small group points students toward these biblical priorities.
Consider Your Passions: What Lights Your Fire?
God has wired you uniquely for ministry. Your burdens, joys, and deepest convictions shape how you lead. Maybe you’re passionate about discipleship and long to see students own their faith. Perhaps evangelism fuels you, and you want your ministry to be an outreach movement.
Identifying your passion helps refine your ministry approach. While we’re all called to the full breadth of ministry, our specific burdens can help us focus energy on areas where we’ll be most effective. Ask yourself:
- What aspect of ministry makes me feel most alive?
- When have I seen the greatest impact in students’ lives?
- What keeps me up at night when I think about this generation?
Let these passions guide your philosophy of ministry and shape your leadership.
Consider Your Church’s Vision and Content
Ministry isn’t done in isolation. Your student ministry should operate under the greater vision and mission of your church. Does your church have a vision frame or overarching theme? Are there specific values or strategies they emphasize?
Stepping under the church’s philosophy ensures unity and alignment. It also provides clarity and direction as you shape your ministry’s culture. Rather than working independently, strong ministry leaders take the church’s vision and contextualize it for their specific audience.
If your church values community engagement, how does that shape your youth ministry? If discipleship is a core emphasis, how do you structure small groups and mentorship? A clear philosophy of ministry works in harmony with the church’s overall mission.
Consider Your Goals and Objectives
A strong philosophy of ministry doesn’t just focus on the present—it looks ahead. Where do you want your students to be in one year? Five years? When they graduate? Consider these dimensions:
- Spiritually – What do you want students to know, believe, and live out?
- Emotionally – How will your ministry address mental health, identity, and resilience?
- Physically – What environments and experiences will help shape students holistically?
Set clear objectives that align with your ministry philosophy. For example, if your passion is discipleship, your goal might be to have every student connected to a mentor by the end of the year. If evangelism is your heartbeat, you might aim for every student to share their faith with at least one friend. Tangible goals keep your philosophy actionable.
Crafting Your Statement
After reflecting on these aspects, it’s time to summarize your philosophy of ministry in a clear, concise statement. This statement should capture your heart for ministry and serve as a guiding compass. For example:
- “To glorify God with my life and ministry, and lead others to do the same.”
- “To disciple students in such a way that they grow in faith, live on mission, and make an impact for Christ.”
- “To create a student ministry where every teenager is known, loved, and challenged to follow Jesus.”
Your philosophy of ministry isn’t just a statement on paper; it’s a framework that influences every aspect of your leadership. As you develop and refine yours, let it shape the way you lead, plan, and invest in the students God has entrusted to you. When your ministry has a clear “why,” everything else falls into place.
FREE RESOURCE: Developing Your Personal Ministry Philosophy Worksheet.
Click to download a worksheet to help you craft your personal ministry statement.
I’d encourage you to start by writing in your journal the answers to some of these questions. Allow the exercise to help shape your “why.” If you need some help talking through it, I’d love to help. Shoot me an email at steve@freshcalling.org or leave a comment.
Blowing Up Your Youth Ministry
So, you want to wreck your youth ministry? No? Are you sure? Because sometimes, even with good intentions, we’re doing things that are actually tearing it down. If you want to ensure your ministry falls apart, here are a few foolproof ways to make it happen. But if you want to build something strong, take this as a wake-up call.
1. Make It All About You
Your students should know who the real star of the ministry is—you. Make sure every sermon includes a personal story (preferably one where you’re the hero), and don’t bother raising up student leaders or volunteers because you can do it all better anyway. Keep the focus on your charisma, your vision, your voice. If you ever start to think, Wait, isn’t this supposed to be about Jesus?, push that thought away fast.
✅ Fix It: Kill your ego. Point students to Jesus, not yourself. Raise up leaders. Hand off responsibilities. Ministry is not a one-man show.
2. Ignore the Hard Conversations
Keep things fun. Always fun. Don’t talk about sin, identity, purpose, or obedience—those might make students uncomfortable. Dodge tough topics like purity, identity crisis, or real faith struggles because, you know, they might not come back next week. Just stick to hype, games, and a five-minute devo that’s about as deep as a kiddie pool.
✅ Fix It: Be bold. Speak the truth in love. Give students something real to hold onto in a world full of empty noise. They crave authenticity more than entertainment.
3. Overlook Your Leaders
Who needs a strong adult leadership team when you can do it all yourself? Treat your volunteers like babysitters instead of mentors. Never invest in them, never pray with them, and definitely never let them lead. Assume that because they’re adults, they should just “get it” and not need any guidance from you.
✅ Fix It: Train, equip, and love your leaders. Meet with them. Pray for them. Make sure they’re growing so they can invest in students effectively.
4. Chase Numbers Over Discipleship
It’s all about attendance. If you have a packed room, you’re winning. Who cares if most of them don’t know Jesus? Just keep the lights, music, and giveaways coming. Spiritual growth? Eh, that’s optional. As long as your Instagram stories look hype, you’re doing great.
✅ Fix It: Numbers matter, but life change matters more. Measure success by transformed lives, not just attendance.
5. Neglect Your Own Spiritual Life
You’re in ministry, so that counts as your time with God, right? Who has time for personal prayer and Bible study when you’re running a whole youth group? Just wing your sermons, pray on stage, and assume that’s enough to stay spiritually healthy. Meanwhile, let burnout, bitterness, and exhaustion creep in.
✅ Fix It: Guard your time with Jesus. Your personal walk impacts everything you do in ministry. Stay grounded in Him or you’ll have nothing real to offer your students.
6. Ignore Parents
You’re the youth pastor, so you know best, right? Parents? They’re just in the way. No need to partner with them, communicate with them, or equip them to disciple their own kids. After all, youth ministry is where real faith happens, not at home.
✅ Fix It: Partner with parents. Keep them in the loop. Help them lead their students spiritually because they have way more influence than you do.
7. Refuse to Adapt
You’ve been doing things this way for years, and it worked back then, so why change? Culture is shifting, students are struggling in new ways, but you refuse to tweak your approach. Just keep using the same outdated strategies and pretend like it’s still 2005.
✅ Fix It: Stay anchored in Scripture but flexible in strategy. Know your students. Meet them where they are while pointing them to the never-changing truth of God’s Word.
Time to Rebuild
If any of these hit home, it’s not too late. The goal isn’t just to have a youth ministry—it’s to build one that actually changes lives. Let’s stop wrecking it and start leading it well.
Your students need a leader who’s real, who’s growing, and who’s pointing them to Jesus. Be that leader. And whatever you do—don’t blow it up. Let’s set up a time to talk through some of the ways we blow up our ministry unintentionally. Leave a comment below or shoot me an email.
The Prideful Youth Pastor
Insights and encouragements from a youth pastor who has fought pride for over 30 years. (This one is tough to write about.)
SORRY NO VIDEO ATTACHED TO THIS WEEKS BLOG.
Pride. It’s something we all struggle with, but as youth pastors, it can be an especially sneaky trap. We spend our days investing in students, showing up to their games and performances, preaching messages that impact their hearts, and receiving their admiration in return. It’s easy to start believing the hype—that we’re indispensable, that we’re the reason their faith is growing, that we’re doing a pretty incredible job.
I know this struggle all too well. I remember when I was honored with the Tarrant County Young Leader Award, nominated by a sweet lady from our church. It felt good—really good. But beneath that excitement, pride started creeping in. I started feeling like I had “made it” as a leader. I enjoyed the recognition a little too much. Before I knew it, I was living for the praise rather than for the One who called me to serve in the first place.
If you’re a youth pastor wrestling with pride, you’re not alone. But there is hope! Here are three key reminders to keep your heart in check.
1. Stay Away from Self-Glorification
In ministry, it’s easy to take credit for the growth we see in students. When a young person makes a decision for Christ after a powerful message, we can start believing it was our words that made the difference. When students flood into the youth room, we can feel like it’s our leadership drawing them in. But Scripture reminds us:
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” —1 Corinthians 3:7
At the end of the day, we’re just vessels. God does the work. Our job is obedience, not applause. When pride whispers that we deserve recognition, we must redirect that praise to Jesus—the true source of life change.
2. Seek Humility in Service
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of humility. He didn’t come to earth for recognition, though He deserved it. Instead, He took the form of a servant, washing feet and ministering to the least of these (Philippians 2:5-8).
Humility for us as youth pastors might mean:
- Choosing the backseat instead of always being on stage.
- Letting others take the lead in planning and executing ideas.
- Serving without needing acknowledgment.
One of the best ways to combat pride is to intentionally lower ourselves—finding joy in unseen, uncelebrated acts of service.
3. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due—Publicly and Privately
A prideful heart wants all the recognition. A humble leader freely gives credit away. Whether it’s your volunteer team, student leaders, or fellow staff members, take every opportunity to highlight the work of others.
- Publicly: When someone compliments your ministry, point back to the team effort. Acknowledge the behind-the-scenes heroes.
- Privately: Send notes of encouragement, express gratitude, and remind those around you of their impact. In your quiet time with the Lord, express gratitude for all the Lord is doing in and through you.
One practical habit: Every time you’re tempted to soak up praise, immediately redirect it toward God or someone else who contributed. This not only guards your heart but also fosters a culture of humility within your ministry.
Final Thoughts
The battle against pride is ongoing, but victory is possible when we keep our focus on Jesus. Ministry isn’t about how great we are—it’s about how great He is. Let’s be leaders who serve with humility, give credit freely, and remember that the only recognition that truly matters comes from our Heavenly Father:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” —Matthew 25:23
Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep pointing to Jesus. And when pride creeps in, surrender it back to the One who called you in the first place.
How do you handle pride in your heart? Comment below.
If you’ve read all the way to the end, you’re invested. I would love your support in sharing this post (and others) with those in ministry. Help me spread the word about Fresh Calling. Thank you.
Need someone to help navigate prideful moments in ministry? Schedule a 1 on 1 coaching session, and let’s chat. I promise to listen, encourage, dust you off and kick you back in!
A Youth Pastor that sees…
Three simple perspectives to help reinvigorate your passion for leading.
A youth pastor should never have their head down. Eyes up. Always looking—looking for God’s next move, looking for the needs of their people, looking for the bigger picture of where the ministry is headed. If you’re leading with your head down, you might miss it.
Ministry isn’t about just getting through another Wednesday night, planning another game, or giving another lesson. It’s about seeing—seeing where God is moving, seeing the hearts of your students, and seeing the bigger vision He has for your ministry.
Let’s talk about three things every youth pastor should be looking for.
1. Seeing the Direction of Your Ministry and Leading People to It
A youth ministry without vision is like a road trip without a map. Sure, you might still have fun, but you won’t know where you’re going—or how to get there.
Where is God leading your ministry? Are you just maintaining or actually moving forward? A youth pastor with vision is always thinking ahead, preparing for growth, and leading students toward a deeper faith. That might mean developing a discipleship plan, raising up student leaders, or creating a culture of worship and prayer.
If you don’t know where you’re headed, your students won’t either. Lift your eyes and ask God, What’s next?
2. Seeing the Needs of Your People and Speaking to Them
If all you see is the calendar and the to-do list, you’re missing what’s right in front of you—your students’ struggles, questions, and spiritual hunger.
A youth pastor who truly “sees” is paying attention. You notice the student who’s withdrawing, the one who always cracks jokes to cover their pain, the one who’s wrestling with faith but doesn’t know how to ask. And when you see these things, you respond. You don’t just preach generic sermons—you speak to real struggles, real doubts, and real hopes.
Jesus was a master at this. He saw the needs of people and met them exactly where they were. That’s the kind of leader your students need.
3. Seeing the Hand of God and Celebrating It
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not happening. Maybe attendance is down, volunteers are scarce, or the energy isn’t what it used to be. But are you seeing what God is doing?
That one student who is growing in faith? That leader who stepped up unexpectedly? The breakthrough moment in worship last week? God is moving. Always. And as a leader, you set the tone. If you celebrate what God is doing, your students will start looking for Him too.
Take time to acknowledge and thank God for what you do see. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere.
The Best Part? God Sees Too.
Here’s what’s cool—you’re not the only one watching.
God sees you. He sees your struggles, your sacrifices, and your prayers that no one else knows about. He sees your students, their brokenness, their growth, and their potential. And He’s guiding you through it all.
When you look to Him, He will reveal what you need to see. So, eyes up, pastor. Keep looking, keep leading, and keep trusting the One who sees it all.
I’d love to celebrate what you see… shoot me an email or comment below!
Husband, Dad, Youth Pastor, Writer
Fresh Calling: Ministry Coaching and Consulting 
Recent Comments