No Lone Rangers!

Nathan,
Whoa! 80-100 youth at a church size of 110? That is incredible! And err - as a fellow laborer in youth ministry that fustrates me (and i'm sure anyone else who is reading this) for you that you are not getting support... surely folks could see that to have a youth ministry that equals the rest of the church size- you need help!! I used to work at a part-time position at a church about the same size (and age-bracket... mostly much older adults)and had the same problem with getting volunteers (though my group was more like 20 youth, not 80!) We got tons of financial support, but very hard to get adult volunteers. I'm guessing most of these kids are not "members" of the church or at least did not grow up in that church with thier family? Just a couple suggestions (though I am sure you have your hands full already keeping up with everyone - so maybe these are things you can implement when you have time): 1)Have you thought of getting a meeting together with some of the PARENTS of these kids that are coming to youth? Maybe just the parents of the really active ones? Then pitching to them your vision and heart for this ministry, and that you will need HELP getting there? Maybe even encouraging them, whether they are plugged into the church or not, that this is one way THEY can find community among one another - serving together with the youth? If you do this - just make sure you are CLEAR with them before the meeting that this is not a "bring your complaints/concerns to the youth director" meeting- but a time where you'd just like to share your heart with them and update them on what God is doing in the midst of your group. 2)are you anywhere nearby a college where you could contact an on-campus ministry program and ask if there are any students who are heading toward a position in ministry and would like some experience? I have found college students who are hungry for this kind of opportunity bring alot of life to a youth ministry! And it's a win win situation where you and the student both benefit. (Just be patient as sometimes it takes a while to find a student who is both passionate, committed, and able schedule-wise to be there... may take some trail and error - but def worth a shot.) 3)What if you just took some time for yourself one day and just kindof charted your youth ministry, the things that happen within it, and all of your responsiblities to make those things happen. After your finished (you will prob want to cry as you realize all that you actually do or have to do... but hold on!..) take note or mark the responsibilities that YOU (within your alloted hours in youth ministry position) CAN focus on and CAN do. Then gather up folks from the church, and parents of these youth, show them this chart and use it to reference what you can feasibly take care of on your part - and what parts need volunteers. Some of these volunteer needs could be as simple as bringing snacks, writing cards to youth, or more involved like teaching sunday school one month out of the year (or more or less), or just being an "adult presence" at meetings. The point is if everyone can see what all it takes - it doesn't take a rocket scientist for them to realize you can't do it alone. And they realize there are a variety of ways they can be involved, some areas that may suit them more than others. 4) Last, gather a group of potential adults like this and show them this article by Kurt and Josh! or other articles by youth ministry vet.'s who believe that ministry is the job of THE CHURCH, not just one person. Whatever you can do to help the church see that your ministry is not meant to be a stand-alone section outside of what the rest of the church does, but part of what your church IS and that they have as much stake and stock in it. I think most churches are encouraged when they realize the youth group WANTS to be considered part of the overall life of the church. And if you have trouble getting a group together of youth parents and adults from church, or don't get very many... ask to visit the sunday school classes and talk to them there (stuff mentioned in idea 1, 3 and 4 above all would make good info to present to them).

Hang in there, Nathan. I, and many of us out here are praying for you for sure. Hope these ideas aren't overwhelming, and if they are - just take from them what encourages you and what you CAN do. Thanks for all you give for these teens.

Thanks for this one fellas!

It's funny, I'm on a staff of three full-time youth pastors and sometimes its easy to act as if we're three loners. Sometimes sharing is tough, because we don't want to be Eeyore. Yet carrying one another's burdens is how God intended it for us.

Thanks again. I'm excited about this new writing team for the YM daily.

Love the topic this week.
There is nothing more sad than watching a young youth pastor trying to ride "trigger" into the calling of youth ministry. I feel for them because every who has lasted, knows that you are speaking the truth. No forked tongue about it, if you ride alone, you will eventually unsaddle your horse, leave the adventure behind, take a seat at Kittys place or become a farmer with only memories of your days as a youth pastor. Any old-timer will tell you - be a full-time recruiter/trainer of volunteers. Surround yourself with a quality team, invest in them and you will survive and thrive through the years.
And one day you will ride to the mountain bluff, pat trigger on the neck and say - I know its not just you and me ole boy, but these sun-sets are worth it.

It would be simply awesome to build a team of like-minded youth ministry volunteers that buy into the vision. But as I'm finding out... this takes ALOT of time ... is there something to be said for those of us who have to fight the battle alone sometimes (not by choice) until help (err... that is- effective help!) comes or those who are asked finally catch the vision? That's where I am right now, or have been for a while. BUT - slowly but surely, help has emerged, and i feel we are finally "getting it" as a team... i guess the point i'm trying to make is sometimes "Lone Rangers" in youth ministry are not those who are out trying to do it on thier own because they think they are a super-hero... they are simply people who, like David, are the only ones at the time who are willing to stand up and fight. If we view our youth ministry positions as "program directors" then by all means, delegation should be our #1 priority and probably a character trait sought out for the position. BUT, if we truly view our positions as "ministers" (even if we are not ordained), then leading TEENS should be a priority for us... and then leading adult leaders in leadership will come if we are open to and work on that in the meantime. Having said all of that... amen to all you said about people who can hold you accountable or pour into you as well! (i have found this in my wife and in good friends who are youth ministry workers in other churches, as well as pastors... and - though not the case for every youth worker i'm sure - in my own pastors as well.)

I love being on the youth ministry email listand at times can't help but apply your wisdom to my job. With that said, would you consider letting me adapt your article to suit my purpose as long as I give you credit?

No Lone Rangers!

4-H Youth Development was never meant to be done alone.

OK, now that the overly dramatic opening statement is out of the way – here’s where I’m headed with this: If you are doing your job alone, you will fail. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but you will, because it simply can’t be done. (Umm…that was even more dramatic than the opening…but true.).

You can try. Many courageous 4-H agents and PA’s before you have. They work a 40+ hour workweek and do a pretty good job keeping their family lives running. Or you may be the full-time employee that is not yet married, so piling it on feels good; even the right thing to do. Or perhaps you’re discovering the joys of being a new parent while juggling part-time 4-H duties. Whatever your situation, know that it can’t be done alone for long.

Ask any veteran 4-H leader – seriously, go ahead at your next network gathering or district update. You’ll be hard-pressed to find one who has lasted by doing it alone.

Don’t Do 4-H Alone. Here’s why:

You are a prime target for discouragement
There’s nothing worse than being down … unless you’re down and alone. Honestly, it is a dangerous place for you to live for very long. In the ups and downs of life in Extension, discouragement can rear its ugly head quickly and drag you down (and possibly out). We are better together, and at some point you’re going to need someone to help pick you back up, brush you off and tell you to get back to work. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you.

You are a prime target for temptation
It seems like the enemy has his big guns aimed at people who work with youth, and being on the front lines, all by yourself makes you an easy target!. We could list amazing people, full of potential, who sacrificed their future because they intentionally placed themselves in a solitary and vulnerable position. Don’t be a fool and think you’re stronger … no one is. Surround yourself with people who will support you. (Neighboring Counties)
Are you missing the point of leadership?
Building a team of volunteers should be at the top of your syllabus. If you’re a leader … LEAD people! Gather together some like-hearted people and together serve the youth in your communities. Surround yourself with people who get the mission of Georgia 4-H.

Remember, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!

Adapted from an article written on Youth Ministry
by Kurt Johnston & Josh Griffin

Hello,
My name is Nathan, and I am doing youth ministry alone. I want to LEAD people. I ask our people to volunteer for youth and children's ministry, but get "NO" or "I'll pray about it" (We all know what that means...jk LOL)
Our church is mostly older folks, and I have been able to grow the ministry, but the growth does not last because there is not adequate leadership. The problem is that two previous youth pastors in the church have grown the youth group to 80-100 youth. (My church size:110) People do not feel the need to volunteer if two previous youth pastors have grown the ministry in the past by themselves.
I am just looking for advice:
How can I get people to volunteer, if volunteerism is not something that is foundational to a church ministry?
I know older folks can be great youth workers, and I ask them to volunteer as well, but get a similar response, so when is enough enough?

Thanks for any response and help.