It’s a good idea to interview every new youth leader before unleashing them to be a spiritual role model for the teens. If you’re the paid youth director, you’re the one who stands between a potentially harmful adult and the teens, so be very careful with this process. Even if you know the perspective youth worker very well, have a formal meeting anyway where you sit down with the individual and clarify some very important issues.

Your church’s insurance company may have a list of questions they want you to go through with each youth leader, so be sure to check with them if you haven’t already done so. Here are some additional questions I like to ask:

SPIRITUAL

• When and how did you become a Christian? List any circumstances or people that influenced you to make this decision.
• How is God working in your life now?
• How would you describe your spiritual journey and your relationship with God today? What are your struggles (we all have them!)? What’s going well?
• In what ways has God used your gifts, talents, and abilities to bring glory to Himself? How has that tied in with your heart for student leadership?
• How well do you know your Bible? Do you feel comfortable teaching it to others?
• How have you gained the amount of Bible knowledge that you presently possess?
• Do you have a spiritual accountability partner?
• Are you open to greater spiritual accountability?

PAST HISTORY

• Have you ever gone through treatment for alcohol or drug abuse?
• Have you ever been ticketed for reckless driving or driving under the influence?
• Have you ever been arrested, detained, or questioned by police for any other illegal actions of any type?
• Has there been alcohol abuse, drug abuse, physical or sexual abuse in your family background?
• If yes, what steps have you taken to minimize the impact that those issues will create for you, both now and in the future?
• Have you ever been treated for any type of psychiatric disorder?
• Have you ever been accused, charged, or alleged to have committed any act of neglecting, abusing or molesting any child?
• Is there any circumstance or pattern in your life which would make it inappropriate for you to serve with minors or would compromise the integrity of Alexandria Covenant Church?
• Do you have any communicable diseases, such as TB, Hepatitis B, HIV, AIDS, etc.?
• Are you under medication or treatment for any disease or condition?

MINISTRY

• How do you decide which movies are acceptable for you to view?
• Would you feel comfortable recommending all of your music to a student? Why or why not?
• Please list the dates and activities of other ministry experiences that you have been involved in here at Alexandria Covenant Church.
• What is your personal vision for ministry at Alexandria Covenant Church? Do you have any ideas of how God might accomplish that through you?
• Why would you like to join the youth volunteer leadership team.
• Is there anything else you feel that we need to know about you?

Please note that the none of the answers to these questions will necessarily eliminate someone from serving in our youth ministry. They’re just here to open the dialog and make sure we bring up the issues.

PRAYER PARTNERS
In addition, we also ask each youth leader to find 5 prayer partners, other adults who will commit to praying for them on a regular on-going basis about their ministry to the teenagers. The youth leader turns their prayer partners’ names and contact info in to me so I can add them to our ministry’s prayer mailing list.

REFERENCES
Each youth leader also submits two references, which we either call and interview, or ask them to fill out a questionnaire about the perspective youth leader.

BACKGROUND CHECKS
Do it! No exceptions. No excuses. Make sure the church has a background check on file for you, too! Having worked in two churches where youth leaders were taken to court for inappropriate sexual conduct with youth (one went to prison, the other didn’t), I know first-hand just how critical this is. No one is immune or an exception. Do it now before it’s too late! Seriously. Do it.

A common criticism: It’s been said that this process of interviewing leaders, setting boundaries and expectations is too rigorous. They say, “We’re just thankful to get people to work with the youth! This process is a obstacle — no one will take the time to be so scrutinized.” My response: “It is absolutely an obstacle, one that is totally necessary. If a potential youth leader is either too apathetic toward the ministry and teens to go through the process, or is nervous about being scrutinized, then I don’t want that person on the team in the first place.” Anyone who is passionate about teens is glad to go through it and sees the value in being very careful about which adult leaders are officially established to be spiritual influences and which ones aren’t.

Changing the world happens one student at a time, not in bulk at big events because students do not connect to programs, they connect to people. The most effective way students are influenced is by significant relationships with key people in their lives. Our goal is to develop adult youth leaders who will minister to students on a personal level.

The teenagers in our youth groups need adult leaders who will…

• Grow spiritually on a personal leve and let Him live through them.
• Be interested in their lives.
• Take the initiative to spend time with them.
• Pray for them.
• Be real.
• Say encouraging words.
• Believe in them.
• Laugh.
• Go to “their world.”
• Remember their names and care for them.
• Share God’s love through personal experience.
• Be consistent in life and ministry.
• Be patient.
• Enjoy life.
• Be a leader, not a peer.

What else do teenagers need from their youth leaders?

Boundaries are so critical to the health of any youth leader. We could talk about the need to say “no” and protect personal and family time. We could talk about setting emotional boundaries with teens and their personal situations. We could also talk about setting boundaries on how vulnerable we make ourselves with teenagers (i.e. sharing details about a divorce or addiction). Fortunately, most of those issues have already been discussed in previous articles here at Life In Student Ministry (see “How I will crash and burn(out) in ministry” for example), so let’s talk about some other boundaries that may often be understood but never explicitly stated until it’s too late.

The following are boundaries I set for staff and adult leaders who serve in the youth ministry at my church:

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Utilize careful judgment at all times in the exercise of personal freedom, particularly when associated with and/or relating to students, either publicly or privately. We recognize that many of us have opinions and practices on certain lifestyle issues that differ from one another, such as how we conduct ourselves and the language we use. Furthermore, the Bible, to which we attribute the ultimate authority for all Christian life, is not explicit on every issue within our culture. Nevertheless, many Christians have historically condemned the use of certain words and body language.

Lifestyle issues are complicated further by the reality that we are in a position of trust and influence in the youth ministry. Therefore, with respect to such issues as the use of language, entertainment, gambling, and other behavioral matters that are open to abuse, misuse and misunderstanding, the following biblical principles must be followed:

• The Bible condemns self-indulgence while commanding self-control (Gal. 5:19-25).
• The Bible commands respect of one’s body (1 Thes. 4:4; 1 Cor. 6:18-20).
• Community interests are to be put ahead of self-interest (Phil. 2:3-5).

Personal liberty is to be set aside:

• When its exercise could hinder a student’s spiritual development;
• When its exercise could be misunderstood in such a way as to hinder one’s own witness, or that of our student ministry;
• When culture abuse suggests the need for Christian leaders to exercise self-restraint;
• When an action could endanger another person’s safety or well-being.

Please Note: This is not intended to be a legalistic definition of right and wrong. It is meant to provide principles to limit the experience of Christian liberty because of the position of influence in which we find ourselves.

• Be purposeful in who you talk to and hangout with at youth. ALWAYS ALWAYS watch for the new person or someone who looks like they are feeling left out.
• No driving girls alone in your car if you are a guy; no driving guys alone in your car if you’re a girl – EVER! It is not acceptable and there is no exception. Sometimes there are sticky situations that may seem unavoidable, but they are avoidable. Call someone, get help, make two trips, be honest, do whatever it takes to avoid the situation. This sets parents’ minds at ease, covers the ministry’s reputation, and watches out for you! Along these same lines, be careful about even being alone in a room at church for too long with a student of the opposite gender.
• No dating youth members. Staff/student romantic relationships are an ABSOLUTE NO! It may be flattering to you, but have nothing to do with it. Talk to Tim immediately.
• Girl leaders will work closely with and minister to girls and guy leaders will work closely with and minister to guys. Mingling is cool, but a defined standard of boundaries is an excellent example for students, as well as making a disciplined attempt at maintaining focus while removing distraction.
• Dating a fellow youth staff member is no problem (unless you’re married!), but please keep your focus on the students at youth group. Please, no PDA. If you’re married, then PDA with your spouse is fine, but keep it under control. Whether we like it or not, students are watching us very closely. Keep it clean, keep it Christ-centered.
• Language boundaries: no swearing permitted. In no way can foul language be promoted. This includes coarse joking, rude remarks, gossip, inappropriate sarcasm, and negativity. Please and Thank You.

I’m not sure there can ever be a complete list of expectations for adult youth leaders. Every ministry has different expectations for people who play different roles and carry different levels of responsibility. The following list is what I use with the youth workers at my church.

I’d love to hear what else you’d add to this list in the comments below.

• Be committed to God and to Student Ministries here at ECC. Regularly attend church services, participate in worship and commit to tithing.
• Mingle with students from any school and make newcomers feel welcome. New people will feel out of place, so the more people who say “hi” and learn their names, the better. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours with them, but let them know that they are noticed. Don’t forget to say “hi” the next week too! Remember their names!! Everyone is welcome no matter what they look like, smell like, or how they talk!
• Participate wholeheartedly. Any game can be fun if you want it to be. Be the first to jump up when it is time to get in a team or a line, etc. Look for people not participating and pull them in. Clap, yell, scream, and cheer…when appropriate. No student leader should be sitting on the sidelines. Watch for people cheating or for the game breaking down and seek to correct it. Help with any props that may be needed.
• If you are in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, we do expect that you stay sexually pure and continue to be above reproach in all that you do. Set an excellent standard in all that you do.
• Please dress very modestly; the last thing that we want is to be a subject of lust to students or other leaders.
• Actively look for ways to make the meetings and events run smoother.
• Follow through on responsibilities.
• If you are driving students anywhere, seatbelts and speed limit are a must!
• Pray regularly for our youth ministry and its leaders.
• Be on time for all activities (at least 15 minutes early unless specific ministry requirements require more).
• If you have a concern or question about anything involving ECC youth, please contact Tim immediately – before chatting about the issue or situation with another leader, parent or student. Please and thank you.
• It is very important that you let us know beforehand if you are unable to attend an event – especially one that you are specifically leading in one way or another. Please make arrangements so any responsibilities under your care are properly cared for.
• Attend staff trainings and meetings.
• Commit to regular prayer, Bible study, evangelism, personal worship, scripture memorization and accountability.
• Participate in problem-solving.
• Find areas of need in the youth ministry and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Diffuse gossip, rumors and conflict.
• Stay positive even when things go bad.

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Been in youth ministry for 2 years or fewer? Apply for a FREE 10 week one-on-one Life In Student Ministry Mentorship with one of our 13 youth ministry veterans. Application closes on January 24, 2009. Mentorship is made available for free thanks to Lifeway Students, who are supplying all the resources and materials to each mentee. Thanks, Lifeway Students!

Most paid youth workers know they need to put together a team of adult leaders to serve the teens and the ministry, but surprisingly few actually know what they’re looking for besides someone who is breathing. It almost feels like anyone qualifies to be a youth leader just because they’re out of high school and attend the church.

While you will never have a perfect person serve on the team, there are a few qualities you should look for when recruiting leaders, or considering to accept someone who approaches you about working with the youth. Here are some of the most important qualities to look for.

• Growing Edge – First and foremost, there needs to be a hunger for personal and spiritual growth. We cannot lead where we have not been. Look for someone who will be a positive spiritual role model for teens to look up to, follow, and imitate.
• Positive Attitude – The ability to work with and see people and situations in a constructive way. Nothing destroys a team’s momentum than someone who is usually negative.
• Servanthood – The willingness to sacrifice time and energy for others without needing anyone to notice.
• Team Player – The mind-set of looking out for others and lifting others up.
• Follow-Through – A commitment to be responsible and to fulfill any specific ministries or jobs taken.
• Integrity – Trustworthiness and solid character; consistency in words and walk are key.
• Discipline – The willingness to do what is required regardless of personal mood. Someone who understands that youth meetings and events are for students, and thus they stay student-minded.
• Relational – The ability to make others feel comfortable. Every student counts and needs to be known, greeted, and cared for.
• Sense of Humor – Ability to laugh at yourself, try new things and have a good time learning from your mistakes (and your youth pastor’s mistakes!).
• Patience – Someone who is patient with himself/herself and with others and doesn’t stress when the learning curve is high. Look for someone who is willing to learn. They also be patient with others, remembering that everyone is at a different place. Youth leaders need to reach out and love people where they’re at. Feeling comfortable and connecting with students takes time – going to camps, retreats and special events will help intensify and solidify your relationships with students. The more they invest, the more they will get out of it, so find someone who can take initiative.
• Teachable Spirit – The ability to be humble, open to loving criticism and able to learn from others.

Question: How many of these qualities to you possess yourself? Which ones do you need to work on to become a better youth leader for your ministry?

What else do you look for in potential youth leaders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Been in youth ministry for 2 years or fewer? Apply for a FREE 10 week one-on-one Life In Student Ministry Mentorship with one of our 13 youth ministry veterans. Application closes on January 24, 2009. Mentorship is made available for free thanks to Lifeway Students, who are supplying all the resources and materials to each mentee. Thanks, Lifeway Students!

Last week in my video interview with Rick Lawrence, Executive Editor of Group Magazine, we talked about developing youth leaders. Since then, I’ve continued to think about the subject and decided to do a 6-part series here at Life In Student Ministry on Youth Leadership 101. Of course, we could spend weeks writing on this subject (and maybe I will sometime), but for now here’s an overview of what’s coming up:

• Part 1: What to look for in a youth leader
• Part 2: Expectations of youth leaders
• Part 3: Boundaries for youth leaders
• Part 4: What students need from youth leaders
• Part 5: Questions to ask a new youth leader.
• Part 6: Commitments a new youth leader needs to make [ video ]

Using adult leaders in youth ministry is something I talk about fairly frequently on this site because it is so vital to the health of your group. Here are some good posts I’ve previously written that you may find helpful as we start this series.

• The importance of invested into leaders
• What youth workers need from their youth pastor [video]
• Why I recruit retired adults to be youth leaders
• Handling volunteers who are too busy for kids
• Thou shalt not be a solo act
• Answering the three most common excuses when recruiting
• Why I invest the budget into volunteers
• How to recruit ministry volunteers
• Why volunteers should always go for free
• How do I train leaders to be relational?
• Ten New Years resolutions for volunteer ministry

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Been in youth ministry for 2 years or fewer? Apply for a FREE 10 week one-on-one Life In Student Ministry Mentorship with one of our 13 youth ministry veterans. Application closes on January 24, 2009. Mentorship is made available for free thanks to Lifeway Students, who are supplying all the resources and materials to each mentee. Thanks, Lifeway Students!