Teens want a youth minister who:

1. Is available when I have needs. “I don’t have time right now” is translated into “You are not important” by teenagers. Sometimes teens want to talk. Sometimes they just want to hang out. One way to be available is to set certain hours you’ll be at the office during the week for teens to stop by. Another way to be available is to tell the group to call your answering machine at home and that you will return calls as soon as you get their messages.

2. Has Jesus as the focal point of their life. Here’s a quote to hang onto: “What you do reveals what you believe about God regardless of what you say” (from Experiencing God). Rate yourself, with #1 as “no focus,” and #10 as “totally focused” on Jesus. Place your rating in this blank. _____

Let’s be honest. Your group doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be authentic. And a genuine life dedicated to Christ will do more to mold the life of a young person than all youth conventions and lock-ins combined.

3. Is a great listener. When people have problems they often want an ear that listens, and not a lot of advice. Teens can work most of their difficulties out by talking about them. So don’t just hear their words, listen with all of you by using these methods:

· Maintain eye contact.

· Nod (but don’t nod-off) to show you understand where he or she is coming from.

· Keep your body loose. Folding your arms, or any other rigid position makes you look uninterested.

Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al