In the last post I gave you 20 expectations churches have from Youth Pastors on day one.  Today I’m looking at the other side.  You and I walk into a church with expectations of our own.

To be transparent, most are a fairy tale at best, and would be nearly impossible to obtain even with the best intentions.  Nevertheless, I believe these are common Youth Pastor expectations for churches on day one:

1. Close relationship with the Senior Pastor

These do exist.  They aren’t quite as rare as unicorns.  However, there are a lot of factors in this, and you can certainly sabotage this as I have described in the post on why you struggle to get along with your pastor.  One MAJOR factor with this is time.  Close relationships just take time.

2. Intentional discipleship from the Senior Pastor

Having not walked with the weight of responsibilities of a Senior Pastor it is almost a guarantee you do not fully know the pressure your Senior Pastor feels.  You may find yourself in a situation where this happens, but it is rare (this one IS as rare as unicorns).

Consider this…you’re pastor may not be the best person to disciple you.

3. Consistent encouragement and affirmation

This will not happen.  Most people are overwhelmed and consumed with their own pace and pressure of life to stop long enough to consider your need for encouragement.  Check out the post 10 Signs You Should Invest in Your Youth Pastor, you may want to share that one to give a slight “wink wink” to those around you.  They probably won’t get the hint though.

4. Respect

I want to be seen as more than the “Youth Guy” and I’m sure you do too.  This is attainable, but it takes work to overcome the stereotypes that exist.

5. Trust

You will have this if you stay long enough and work hard to prove yourself trustworthy.  You will not have it on day one.

6. Resources others have

This one is a lie.  No one has the resources they want.  Even if you could have what others have, you’d still need and want more.  You will never have enough resources so stop using this an excuse to be effective.

7. An office that isn’t a former (or current) closet

Enough said…

8. A higher budget

Want to know a secret?  More budget doesn’t necessarily mean you are more effective.

Want to know another secret?  You will never feel you have enough budget.

Want to know one more secret?  You don’t need money to build solid relationships and invest in students.

Want to know something that’s not a secret?  Having an adequate budget helps, but managing the budget you have is crucial.

9. Engaged parents

Having parents who are engaged in your ministry comes through building a culture over time.  You must find ways to connect parents to your ministry.  You must genuinely desire and work to partner with parents.  It will happen, just not on day one.

10. More opportunities to preach

This will vary depending on your situation and context.  There can be many reasons for this not happening more frequently and it can be frustrating.  In the end however, remember why you are there.  Take joy in teaching, preaching to, and leading your students.

So…

Is it even worth it?  Are there things to love?  Absolutely!  In fact here are 100 reasons to love Youth Ministry!

What other expectations do you think Youth Pastors have from day one?