Every Youth Pastor has heard it…  It is said with good intentions I’m sure, but it stings nonetheless.

It usually begins with something like, “I can’t wait…”  It is then followed by something similar to, “…until one day when you’re a real pastor.”  Even better is when it is followed by, “to see what God does in your ministry one day.”

OUCH!

The fact is, as a Youth Pastor, it feels to a large extent that you are always trying to be seen as more than just the “Youth Guy” or the “Youth Girl”  Along with this comes a desire to expand your influence, both inside the church and beyond.

To be clear, this can be both a good thing, and a bad thing.  The attitude of the heart behind it is essential.

With that said, here are five things you can do today to help expand your influence:

1. Smile

This may seem silly, but I have found that many people just do not smile often.  Not smiling makes you less approachable.  If you aren’t perceived as approachable, you cannot expand your influence.

This is something most must be very conscious of.  The pressures and difficulties that often come with ministry can easily overwhelm you.  If you want to expand your influence, smile.

2. Walk Slower

Be careful not to be so consumed with what needs to be done and where you need to be that you miss opportunities to speak to others.  When we read the events of the life of Jesus, we find that He was constantly being interrupted.

Some of the greatest opportunities you can have in expanding your influence can come from walking slower and allowing interruptions.  If you want to expand your influence, walk slower.

3. Listen More

Talk less, and listen more.  Ask questions.  Seek to hear and understand.  As people genuinely feel cared for and heard, your influence will grow.

What you have to say is important…just not as important as you think.

If you want to expand your influence, listen more.

4. Serve Outside Your Circle

You cannot expand your influence if you are only serving and being seen in and around the Youth ministry.  You will expand your influence tremendously by serving alongside others.  Serve first.  If you want to expand your influence, serve outside your circle.

5. Pray

While this is last on the list, it is certainly not least in priority.  Prayer sets the tone for everything else in this list.

If your prayer life is struggling you will find it difficult to smile throughout your day.  If you are not praying for opportunities throughout your day, you will not recognize them as the interruptions happen.  If you are not praying for meekness, humility, and compassion toward others, you will fail to listen to those talking.  If you are not praying for others, and other ministries, you will never serve outside your circle.

If you want to expand your influence, pray.