In the last post we looked at 20 Myths About What Makes A Great Youth Worker.  There is no shortage of stereotypes of what a great Youth Worker is or is not.

I am convinced that most, if not all of those are made from adults.  We feel pressure to be what we feel is needed.  We feel pressure to relate to our students and because of that we fail to be what our students really need.

Let’s face it…working with teens can be scary, intimidating, messy, and hard.  As a result, many people make excuses of why they are “not qualified” or “the right fit” to serve in Youth Ministry.  Many churches look for Youth Pastors that fit a stereotype and assumed needs rather than pursue qualities in a Youth Pastor that will create a ministry of influence.

As you are recruiting new Youth Workers to serve within your ministry you must work hard to correct these misconceptions and inform people what is really needed.  So, what exactly makes a GREAT Youth Worker?  Here are 10 REAL qualities of a great Youth Worker:

1. Loves Jesus

2. Loves God’s Word

3. Dedicated

4. Supportive

5. Concerned

6. Understanding

7. Enthusiastic

8. Friendly

9. Sincere

10. Knowledgeable

Find me someone who fits these qualities and I will take them any day.  More than that, your students will take them, love them, and learn from them.

Who can you think of that is currently not serving in your ministry that fits these qualities?  Why not ask them to consider serving in the Youth Ministry?  Your students need them.  Your students want them.  You need them.  Why not let them know you want them.

How do these qualities line up with the Youth Workers you have now?  Are these qualities you are looking for as you recruit new Youth Workers?  What else would you add to the list?  Leave a comment and share.

Photo credit: .reid. / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)