Reaching Out to Youth through Ministry: A Career Profile
How would you describe a youth minister's daily duties?
A youth minister's job is to lead middle and high school students in the study of God's Word, help them apply the Word to their lives and guide them in their spiritual walk and personal development. Besides being good role models, youth ministers plan youth activities in and out of the church, organize retreats and reach out to youth in the community. They also counsel and provide spiritual guidance to students individually by answering questions or meeting on a regular basis. Youth ministers meet with parents, church officials and other religious groups in the community to ensure that students are being spiritually fed.
Along with planning activities, a youth minister must develop a weekly schedule in order for the youth to be aware of upcoming events. Youth ministers must also define short- and long-term goals for the youth ministry.
What are the specific skills a youth minister requires?
To accomplish all of this, youth ministers must be organized, self-motivated, spiritually mature, effective communicators and knowledgeable in the teachings of Biblical truths. It is also of the utmost importance that youth ministers exemplify Christian character and are able to lead by example. They must work well with others in and out of the church to carry out several projects at the same time.
The amount of formal education a youth minister should obtain can vary between denominations. Most congregations require some form of seminary or other theological background. These credentials can include a bachelor's degree in theology or religious studies. Some denominations may even require a master's degree in a related area, and a few youth ministers are required to earn a doctorate degree in order to maintain a full-time youth ministry position.
What is the typical salary rate for a youth minister?
The average annual salary for youth ministers can be anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 a year. According to a salary survey conducted by Pay scale, Inc., the annual pay rate of a youth minister depends on an individual's education, experience, city and size of the church.
Is there a benefits package included?
Depending on the church, youth ministers may receive yearly bonuses, health insurance, social security and vacation time.
What are the current employment trends?
Job prospects for qualified, educated youth ministers tend to be very good. There is an increase in job competition in more urban areas and in churches with larger congregations. With advances in technology, it is easier than ever to find youth ministry job openings. With just a click of the mouse, the Internet offers numerous job listings and churches currently hiring youth ministers.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Part-time youth ministers who wish to go back to school and earn a degree in ministry or theology may have the opportunity to advance to a full-time youth ministry position. Full-time youth ministers, in turn, often advance to the position of pastor or associate pastor of a congregation.
Sources:
Education Portal. (2008). Minister: Educational requirements and career profile. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from
http://educationportal.com/articles/Minister:_Educational_Requirements_and_Career_Profile.html
Job Profiles. (2008). Religion – Church youth minister. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from
http://www.jobprofiles.org/allreliyouthminister.htm
Pay Scale, Inc. (2008). Salary survey report for job: Youth pastor. Retrieved January 10, 2008, from
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Youth_Pastor/Salary