I’m not sure there can ever be a complete list of expectations for adult youth leaders. Every ministry has different expectations for people who play different roles and carry different levels of responsibility. The following list is what I use with the youth workers at my church.

I’d love to hear what else you’d add to this list in the comments below.

• Be committed to God and to Student Ministries here at ECC. Regularly attend church services, participate in worship and commit to tithing.
• Mingle with students from any school and make newcomers feel welcome. New people will feel out of place, so the more people who say “hi” and learn their names, the better. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours with them, but let them know that they are noticed. Don’t forget to say “hi” the next week too! Remember their names!! Everyone is welcome no matter what they look like, smell like, or how they talk!
• Participate wholeheartedly. Any game can be fun if you want it to be. Be the first to jump up when it is time to get in a team or a line, etc. Look for people not participating and pull them in. Clap, yell, scream, and cheer…when appropriate. No student leader should be sitting on the sidelines. Watch for people cheating or for the game breaking down and seek to correct it. Help with any props that may be needed.
• If you are in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, we do expect that you stay sexually pure and continue to be above reproach in all that you do. Set an excellent standard in all that you do.
• Please dress very modestly; the last thing that we want is to be a subject of lust to students or other leaders.
• Actively look for ways to make the meetings and events run smoother.
• Follow through on responsibilities.
• If you are driving students anywhere, seatbelts and speed limit are a must!
• Pray regularly for our youth ministry and its leaders.
• Be on time for all activities (at least 15 minutes early unless specific ministry requirements require more).
• If you have a concern or question about anything involving ECC youth, please contact Tim immediately – before chatting about the issue or situation with another leader, parent or student. Please and thank you.
• It is very important that you let us know beforehand if you are unable to attend an event – especially one that you are specifically leading in one way or another. Please make arrangements so any responsibilities under your care are properly cared for.
• Attend staff trainings and meetings.
• Commit to regular prayer, Bible study, evangelism, personal worship, scripture memorization and accountability.
• Participate in problem-solving.
• Find areas of need in the youth ministry and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Diffuse gossip, rumors and conflict.
• Stay positive even when things go bad.

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Been in youth ministry for 2 years or fewer? Apply for a FREE 10 week one-on-one Life In Student Ministry Mentorship with one of our 13 youth ministry veterans. Application closes on January 24, 2009. Mentorship is made available for free thanks to Lifeway Students, who are supplying all the resources and materials to each mentee. Thanks, Lifeway Students!

Posted on January 22, 2009