Having trouble finding time to do all of the things in your youth ministry you feel you should be doing?  Not able to really find time to invest in the students you have?

Today I have what may be one of the best kept secrets in youth ministry, and if you’ve never stopped to consider this it may very well change your life.  I’m giving you the secret to youth ministry when you have no time.

If you are a volunteer or part-time youth worker I know you definitely feel this struggle.  This problem isn’t simple one that volunteer and part-time youth workers face.  Even full-time youth workers and youth pastors deal with having enough time to really invest in the students they have.

You often find yourself feeling guilty because you don’t have the time you wish you did to invest.  You probably feel like you’re being lazy even though you may be running a hundred miles per hour in a million different directions.  You may even feel that you aren’t the best person for the job since you have so little time.

There is one amazingly simple way to do MORE EFFECTIVE ministry without having to add MORE to your already full plate.  Want to know what it is?  I thought you’d never ask…

Bring them along.

Let me explain.  My wife often says it this way, “invite students into your life in hopes that they will invite you into theirs.”

(You can hear more about our philosophy on this and how we balance family and ministry in this podcast episode.)

Instead of creating more events and activities to pile on your already full schedule, invite them into things already on your calendar.  If you have yard work that needs to be done, invite a couple of guys over to help you.  Need to work on the car…ask a couple of students to help.  Maybe you invite a few over for dinner.  Maybe even to help you prepare dinner.  Running to the hardware store? Grocery store? Invite a couple students to come along.

The possibilities here are endless.  Some of the most amazing conversations and ministry moments I’ve had over the years have come in moments like these.  It is the best of both worlds, you’re still getting things done that you need to, and they are getting to spend time with you.  Best of all, they probably won’t even recognize that they’re the free labor ;).

Now, don’t get me wrong, you still need to have activities and events.  Just don’t feel pressured to do more when you can be more effective without having to do more.  You can do tons of youth ministry when you have no time.  Just be smart.

**TIP: Spread the love around here and be mindful not to necessarily invite only the same students again and again.  Also, be mindful to not put yourself in a one on one situation.  Be mindful of any child protection policies you (hopefully) have in place.**