How Does a Youth Pastor Spend a Workday?

Morning

Like their counterparts who minister to the adults in a congregation, a youth pastor begins the workday in prayer and contemplation. Most churches look for a youth pastor who has a fully developed spiritual routine that involves at least two hours in prayer and meditation each morning. A youth pastor typically lives off campus and has family obligations that he must attend to before beginning his workday. Once the workday begins, a youth pastor typically meets with the leader of the church to coordinate schedules, get updated on any emergencies that occurred overnight and receive direction. The youth pastor then must organize the day and answer any correspondence from parents, youth members and volunteers.

Mid-day

Meetings and sessions with members of the congregation who have children fill up the afternoons. Counseling duties, meetings with event organizers and follow-up meetings with the pastor fill many afternoons. A youth pastor must spend time during the day preparing lesson plans and arranging for outings, fundraisers and educational programs for the youth in the church. Research, correspondence and writing must be done each day. A youth pastor usually attends retreats and conferences on a regular basis, putting him out of his offices for weeks at a time. Days at work must be productive to compensate for the time away.

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings and weekends are full for a youth pastor. A young minister typically fills the position of youth pastor, often right out of ministerial school. He has the energy and drive to work day and night. Programs for the young people, including classes, meetings, outings and religious services fill the evenings. More meetings with parents often are required in the evenings and on weekends. Sundays are full for a youth pastor as he typically has Sunday school classes to run, duties expected by the church's lead minister and more club and parent meetings.

Overtime

Research is showing that youth ministers often become burned out after less than two years on the job because of the demanding schedule. Organizations, such as the Fuller Youth Institute and Youth Anglican Mission of American (YAMIA), offer programs and training to teach youth pastors how to budget their time, take care of their own needs and reach out for help when they become overwhelmed. To remain satisfied in the position, a youth pastor should take the offered time away when it comes, eat right and include an exercise program in his workdays.

Resources

• Youth Ministry website for more information