How To Become Youth Pastor
A youth pastor is the primary spiritual leader of a church’s youth group. They are responsible for planning and leading group activities and events, creating curriculum and lessons for the group, and providing support to members of the group. Youth pastors must be able to communicate effectively with teenagers in order to provide them with guidance and support.
There are several steps you can take in order to become a youth pastor. First, you should consider whether or not this is something you would enjoy doing on a long-term basis. You should also talk with people who currently work in this field so that you can get an idea of what it will take for you to succeed as a youth pastor. Finally, make sure that your personality matches up with the personality type needed for this position–it will be much easier for you to succeed if your personality matches up with those of your students.
How To Become Youth Pastor
Follow these steps to become a youth pastor:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. First, get an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Most youth pastors have degrees in theology or philosophy, which give them a foundation in religious thought and history along with the nature of knowledge and existence. Others complete leadership and ministry programs offered by religious colleges.
- Get relevant experience. Next, acquire experience working with kids, such as a youth pastor internship or a volunteer position assisting youth groups. Both paid and unpaid positions can provide valuable experience.
- Cultivate key skills. As you start to work as a youth pastor, work to develop essential skills like communication, leadership and public speaking.
- Look for advanced positions. Once you have worked in the field for five or more years, consider looking for a job that offers more challenges and higher pay, such as a pastor position.
Youth Pastor Job Description
Have you been thinking to yourself, ‘I want to become a youth pastor’? Youth pastors work with church clergies to organize youth programs and provide guidance to teens and young adults of a parish. They should be able to recruit and train volunteers, and they must also be knowledgeable about scripture. But what does it take to be a youth pastor?
These workers must act as role models, both at work and in their daily lives. Religious devotion is needed for a career in the ministry. Read on to learn more about how to be a youth minister.
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Youth Pastor School & Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Varies; bachelor’s degree often required |
| Degree Fields | Varies; theology, Biblical studies, or youth ministry are common |
| Experience | Previous experience working with youth, preferably in ministry |
| Key Skills | Active listening, public speaking, decision making, instructional, and leadership skills; creativity; enthusiasm; intermediate computer skills |
| Salary (2019) | $50,400 per year (median salary for all clergy) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The requirements for this career vary, but some employers will require their youth pastors to have a bachelor’s degree in theology, Biblical studies or youth ministry. Previous experience working with youth is often preferred. Youth ministers should also have a few key skills, such as active listening, public speaking, creativity, leadership and intermediate computer skills. Now let’s go over some of the steps to becoming a youth pastor in more detail.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Youth pastor requirements generally begin with a bachelor’s degree. Some employers require that the degree be in religious studies or a related field. There are also youth ministry and theology bachelor’s degree programs that focus on youth-related issues, leadership, counseling and Biblical concepts.
Coursework in these degree programs explore religious philosophies, religious history, and church rituals. Classes prepare youth pastors to work with children and train them in the techniques and tools that are useful for engaging adolescents in spirituality and encouraging spiritual growth. Students may also take courses in public speaking, literature, and writing.
Many youth ministry degree programs include an internship as part of their curricula. Students learn how to lead a group of youth, build team skills and pick an area of interest within youth ministry.
You may have been wondering how to become a youth pastor without college. While a bachelor’s degree is recommended, it is not always required. A combination of volunteering, interning, connection to a community, and other relevant work experience may be sufficient in some cases.
Volunteering is also a good way to network, meet potential employers and help future youth pastors figure out their strengths and weaknesses in the profession. They can find volunteer opportunities at local churches or community centers.
Find Employment
The most important thing to consider when learning how to become a youth minister is where you will work. Prospective youth pastors can look for jobs within the religious community or at local community venues. Volunteering and connecting with local ministries may lead to full-time or part-time employment, and in some cases, internships may be available in order to practice the skills needed to be a successful youth pastor. Individuals may also submit a resume and cover letter to larger religious organizations.
Many churches require youth pastors to be ordained within the appropriate denomination. Ordination requirements vary between churches.
Career Advancement
Youth pastors may consider taking on more responsibility and leadership by becoming a minister. This typically requires the completion of a religious program at a college or seminary resulting in a master’s degree, as well as becoming ordained through their religious organization or state licensed. Ministers take on advanced responsibilities, such as leading congregations and performing religious ceremonies.
Job Duties of Youth Pastors
Youth pastors are required to perform a variety of duties within their work environment. They may need to write and present sermons, lead bible study groups, facilitate discussions, and advise members of their congregation. Specific job duties may vary based on the religious denomination and the needs of the congregation in question. Those with more experience may be expected to assume increased job duties in order to more fully support the youth in their church.
Required Skills for Youth Pastors
Becoming a youth minister means working on cultivating the following skills:
- Excellent public speaking skills
- An approachable attitude
- Understanding of issues specific to youth
- Detailed knowledge of Christian scriptures
- Ability and willingness to give advice on a variety of subjects
- Formal training in counseling may be beneficial
Youth Pastor Salary & Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all clergy was $50,400 in 2019. The highest-paying states by mean salary were California ($70,800), Washington ($64,680), Massachusetts ($63,720), Washington, D.C. ($61,510), and New Hampshire ($60,360). O*Net OnLine reported that between 2019 and 2029, all clergy members are set to experience roughly 3% to 4% growth in their job field, which is around average for all jobs in the U.S.
Payscale.com reports specifically on the salaries of youth pastors. In January of 2021, they reported that youth pastors made an average salary of $38,842, but that with experience, that pay could increase significantly: those with upwards of twenty years’ experience made an average of $51,503.
Overall, the requirements to become a youth pastor vary, but some employers prefer to hire those individuals who have some formal education, previous experience working with youth, and experience in the community.
