Student ministry can feel like a lonely endeavor. Student ministry workers can feel like they are missionaries to a completely different culture. And that is probably a good description. They have to constantly learn a new language and talking points. They are separated by at least one, if not two, generations. It can be hard work. In addition, the men and women are separated from the church as a whole because of the youth meetings and activities they facilitate. Now, don’t get me wrong, most wouldn’t change a thing. They love investing in young men and women. They recognize the pivotal point in their students’ lives. However, it can be lonely.
If the work is lonely and isolating, what can student ministry workers do? They need relationships to aid them as they navigate the crazy world of teenagers. They need connections as they speak the Word of truth to them. Here are some things that student ministry workers should consider as they move forward:
• Am I connecting with my family? A student ministry worker’s spouse is an incredibly important piece of the puzzle. The spouse may not be involved in the ministry in any capacity, but if the youth worker isn’t connecting well at home, it will affect every aspect of his or her ministry. Good communication needs to happen at home. Fun family nights need to be a part of the routine. The faithful student ministry worker must first be faithful at home. So, a student ministry worker must ask themselves if they are connecting well with their family.
• Am I connecting with my lead pastor? A church staff doesn’t have to be best friends, but they must work well together and be there to support one another. That can only happen when a church staff intentionally prays together and communicates well. Student ministry workers will not feel as alone if they know that their pastor is there to cheer them on.
• Am I connecting with other youth pastors and student ministry workers? Student Ministry Matters is all about student ministry workers connecting with one another. We have an online community with our Facebook group, facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity. There, members can ask questions and share concerns. However, I wouldn’t limit connection to just online platforms. Student ministry workers should explore local networks to connect with others who share their passion for impacting the students in their community. Youth workers can also connect at events like this year’s Student Ministry Workers Retreat at Central Baptist College on Sep. 20. Registration is at SMWR2025.eventbrite.com.
• Am I connecting with other online resources? After many years of searching for the right partnership, Student Ministry Matters will be joining with Shaping Student Ministry to provide a great online catalog of student ministry tools. For a monthly cost of under $30, your student ministry worker can access those resources and participate in their online community. One of the great things is that those who sign up with them as a part of our group will actually be supporting our ministry. You can check them out at shapingstudentministry.com/studentministrymatters or email us questions at info@StudentMinistryMatters.com.
God has created us for community and connection. Let me encourage you to find those people and resources that will help you, as a student ministry worker or the leader at your church, serve with passion. If you need help with connections, be sure to reach out to us. The best place to start is our Facebook group or by sending us an email. We are here to help.
