Youth workers need support also

Ministering to those who work with students is pivotal to building a successful team of leaders, says a consultant in youth ministry.

Richard Ross, consultant with LifeWay Christian Resources, said addressing needs of adult leaders bolsters their confidence and spirituality and creates a cohesive leadership team. He made his observations during a recent training seminar for youth ministers at Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile.

Ross said committed adult leadership for a youth group involves youth ministers realizing and acting on a call to minister to a wider group, rather than simply filling the role of a youth minister.

He said showing appreciation also goes a long way toward building commitment. Ross offered ideas for affirming youth workers that included having a banquet for them, sponsoring an adults-only dinner and sending thank-you cards and letters.

Giving attention to the often overlooked adult leader reinforces and retains the commitment of that adult leader for many years, according to Ross. He said it is also important to reduce the frustration of adult youth leaders by anticipating their needs and by securing needed supplies promptly.

“We’re trying to make those people’s lives simpler and make sure they have what they need to do their jobs,” he said.

Ross said morale increases when youth ministers recognize workers who lead outside the mainstream of the church youth group. He said Sunday School teachers who teach small classes frequently go unnoticed, while workers who go on youth retreats receive attention in the church newsletter.

Ross said nurturing committed adult leaders of youth is accomplished by bringing them into the planning process for events.

Adults should also be placed in positions where they can lead teenagers to Christ, according to Ross. He said such is “a rich, meaningful experience,” not only for the teen coming to Christ but also for the adult.

Other suggestions included special events for adult leaders to meet students’ parents and training sessions for the leaders. He also said the ratio of adult leaders to students is important, with no more than 10 students per adult.