If these sound somewhat familiar to you, you're asking the right questions. Whether your church is thinking about hiring youth ministry staff or simply wanting to develop a stronger, more effective ministry in your church and community, creating a plan is the first step. Running a ministry without having a vision which is shared by the leadership and congregation is like flying a plane without a destination. (Most likely you will run out of gas while just going in circles.)

For years, the typical process a church used to hire a youth minister was to develop a job description, collect resumes, interview candidates, and hire.

What else is needed? We have found that two foundational elements are necessary, yet often missed, to strengthen or create a successful youth ministry program.  The first is a unified vision and plan for the youth ministry.  This plan becomes a tool to judge as to whether potential staff "fit" with the vision of the church for youth ministry.  The second element is committed volunteers to make that plan a reality!  A surefire way to burn out a youth minister is to expect them to be all and do all.  Successful ministries have a team of people committed to hands-on involvement.

The Youth Ministry Management Plan will help generate that commitment by allowing participants the opportunity to dream and plan together.  A Tentmakers Ministry Consultant can assist your church in developing a solid plan and strengthening your youth ministry - a ministry that leads young people to follow Jesus Christ.