In a recent conversation with another youth pastor, we were talking about what the things are that really get measurable results on growing into a better youth pastor. If I’m honest, there are a lot of things that will help you become better at what you’re doing, but there are two things that are especially helpful.

Now, to be clear, it is imperative that you are faithful to the Word and in your walk with Jesus. Those are musts regardless of who you are.

To grow in your proficiency as a youth pastor, these two secrets if you will seem to move the needle the most. So, if I had to tell you to focus on just two things, these are the two I’d tell you.

Set Clear Goals

I’ve spoken the importance of goal setting before. In fact, you can find that here, here, and here. Goals are important because they give you something to work towards. They give you something to measure and something to strive for.

A goal gives you a target to aim at and can help you when communicating vision to others. Without a goal, you’ll likely just live to survive the day, event, or youth service with nothing to show for it.

Your goals should be a reach, reasonable, and reviewable.

If your goal is to add 500 students to your youth ministry this year, that is probably a reach, but it isn’t likely reasonable. It does you no good to set a goal that is impossible to reach. Likewise, if you can review, measure, and evaluate your goal, it isn’t helpful either. You must be able to know if you have reached your goal, and if you didn’t, why you failed.

Spell Out Growth Areas

Aside from setting goals you hope to achieve, it is important that you take inventory and spell out some areas you need to grow in. What these can vary, but having something you are working on means you’re bound to improve.

Want to communicate better? Then write this down and work towards being a better communicator.

Want to lead better meetings? Then work to learn what makes a great meeting and work at implementing those things.

Once you have the areas you want to grow in written down, look for books, podcasts, YouTube videos, or mentors who can help you learn to improve in those areas.

The bottom line is to improve as a youth pastor, you must be intentional. If you just continue with no purpose or intentionality, nothing will change and you won’t improve.

Dedicate some time this week to writing down your goals and areas of growth. Then be intentional to chase after these. These two things are the secret to becoming a better youth pastor.