0
Votes
Resolved
First step into a youth ministry career?
I am currently a Junior in college, and I can't help but feel like I'm wasting my time and that youth ministry is where I belong. What should be my next step? Transferring to a christian university for a ministry degree? Looking for an internship or job? Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thnak You
- 7 Answers
- In Personal
-
- by
-
- OKadeState
- 498 Views
- 7 months ago
Answers
|
0 Votes
I can't agree more with the answers below. I got a bachelor's degree in youth ministry in school (and have found it helpful), but I definitely found that my internships and volunteer experience prepared me WAY more for a career in youth ministry. 1. Get involved in a youth ministry while you're in school (volunteer, intern, anything!), 2. Don't "waist" your summer. (Apply for summer internships. youthspecialties.com/jobs) 3. E-mail me if you'd be interested in talking about an internship in Houston, Tx (daniel@clpc.org) |
|
0 Votes
I felt called to youth ministry toward the end of my bachelor's program too (journalism at a secular school). I kept going & got the degree while also volunteering as a youth leader at my church. When school was done I served as the interim youth pastor at my church for a year. After that I went to seminary while also getting more volunteer experience. I know that a lot of youth pastors don't go to seminary but without the Bible College background I felt it was important for me, and fortunately you do not need a Christian degree to get into most seminaries. Also it's been incredible how much my journalism & other college exp. has come in handy. Don't underestimate God's ability to use what you're studying & doing right now in youth min. |
|
0 Votes
Excited for you as you continue to pray and explore what God is putting on your heart. I agree with some of the advice that has already been given: finish your degree and path you are already on in college, UNLESS you truly believe God is telling you to change that now. If God is moving in your life and your desire is to be obedient to Him, then do just that. On a practical side, I would encourage you to read The Call, by Os Guinness. Also, an internship would be a great way to gain experience in youth ministry and give your resume' some cred if you stay with your current degree. Link Details: 7 months ago
|
|
0 Votes
Are you already involved with Youth Ministry at all? If so that is great and a perfect first step, if not I would echo the suggestions of talking with the current youth minister at your church or any local church to get some insight on the ministry and the details of it. I would suggest doing some of research on YM and the different areas of impact. Will it be urban or rural? Are you being called to YOUR church's youth or just youth in general? What does your calling mean to you? Everyone's story is going to be different, but I think that God will do His part but we have to do ours by being available (involving yourself if you are not already in a local ministry) and learning as much as you can to make good decisions. Pray for guidance |
|
0 Votes
I 100% agree with Luke. Like you, I realized my Jr year of college that I wanted to be involved in youth ministry, but I didn't can my education (graphic designer). My degree helped me to get a regular job to support my family and I work PT as a YP. I've found that my degree even helps me serve in other areas of my church too. Continue with your education, it's important to your future in a lot of ways; don't be hasty in your actions. Start bt meeting with the staff of your church's youth to see how you can get involved. It takes time to build relationships, understand dynamics of uth work, etc. Start by volunteering where you're needed and work in from there - look for where God opend doors for you to serve in youth ministry. |
|
0 Votes
Stay in school and finish your degree as fast as possible. It might feel like you are wasting time, (and your classes might be...) but you are not. Most "good" youth ministry jobs require a college degree to consider hiring you. Also, having a degree will give you credibility with parents, students, and church leadership. You can start looking for summer internships, or even PT job at a church. You may also comes from a church background that encourages/requires seminary degree, which requires a bachelor's degree. (it doesn't matter what you get it in) |
|
2 Votes
Switching majors as an upperclassman is a very expensive and time-consuming move. A degree is helpful, but not required for working with youth. And you're unlikely to pay off that debt very quickly on a pastor's salary. |
