The Art of being part-time in youth ministry

Youth ministry is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. As a part-time youth worker or volunteer there are certain things which arise that make a unique ministry even more challenging. I would like to offer some encouragement in some areas of difficulties you may be faced with.

The first challenge with being a part-timer is the title "part-time." You may be collecting a salary at part-time hours, but the truth of the matter is you are working well beyond the hours on a paycheck. This holds true for full time employees and pastors. There is no such thing as a part-time ministry. The key is being able to prioritize your time as wisely as possible. If you have a family, spouse and/or children, this is even more essential. It is very easy to focus on your double work life and neglect those who are supporting you, and need you most. Do not let this happen. I recommend a talk given by Doug Fields a few years ago at the NYWC. Visit www.youthspecialties.com and visit their underground area. The title is "What matters most." There is also a book with the same title by Mr. Fields. It is a helpful tool to be able to say "No" to spreading yourself too thin. Make the time you have for youth ministry as beneficial to your teens as possible, but understand you have a limit to your availability. You will need a very supportive clergy and vestry to ensure you have the chance to prioritize your time.

So you are wondering then how do you do it if you are dividing your time? A strong supporting cast is a big first step. Please, if you are lacking help in your ministry, people are not volunteering, and you are "flying solo" pray intently for God to bring help. I assure you he will listen. A good supporting leadership team can aid in several ways. If you are at the "other job" and a teen is in need of help, a phone call to another leader is a nice way to keep this child engaged. This is not the way you want it to be, I know, but it is what it is for now. The second challenge is having that relational ministry which requires "time." This is my biggest struggle, and this is essential to the growth of your ministry, and reaching those teens who do not know Jesus. Prayer, Prayer, and more Prayer. Be honest with your parents and youth and explain to them your time constraints. You are a resource for parents, not the opposite!

I am writing this article at my "other job" (a fire station), so I know what you are going through. Perhaps God will call you into the ministry full time at some point, perhaps that is not in the plans for you. Please know this, God will provide EVERYTHING for you to successfully reach this generation. There has, in my opinion, never been a more important time than the 21st century in youth ministry. We have an opportunity to change the direction of a nation one child at a time.

YAMIA is here for you. We want you to succeed in your ministry. We know it is challenging, frustrating, and sometimes discouraging. Satan also understands this, and that is why our reliance on God to renew our minds is the most important part of our ministry. Please check out Romans 12:2—'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'

Bo Bartlett
Youth Missioner
Prince of Peace, Melbourne FL

Bo Bartlett has been in youth ministry for 6 years as both a volunteer and paid staff. He is currently full time at Prince of Peace Church in Viera, Florida. He is happily married to Michelle (Children’s Ministry Director) and has two incredible boys, JT (10) and Tyler (7). He resides in Palm Bay, Florida.