The document discusses the importance of being a lifelong learner in youth ministry. It notes that many youth leaders enter the field hoping to make a big impact quickly but often find they have much to learn. Those who view themselves as students and seek to continuously learn from others tend to become stronger leaders over time. The document encourages youth leaders to set learning goals, ask questions of more experienced mentors, and view past experiences as opportunities to improve - in order to best serve students and have lasting influence.

1. L E A RN E A RLY from Doug Fields
FOR STARTERS TRAINING on the GO
Be brave and admit it: What Do you remember the first day of each school year when you were a kid?
You had so much hope that you would start out the school year right by
area of youth ministry do you
getting along with your teachers, making great friends, staying out of the
simply not understand?
principal’s office, and studying hard for good grades. Now, today, you may
look back and feel a sense of accomplishment because you met your goals—
or you may feel disappointment, knowing you never came close to what
IN T HE TRENCHE S you’d hoped.
Serving as a youth leader can often be the same. We begin our youth ministry
A few years ago, we started an “career” with high hopes of making a big difference to students. We may be
intern program for our student nervous, but down deep we envision students flocking to us with a desire to
ministry program. Each year, doz-
ens of people apply to spend two
learn the mysteries of successful Christian living. We dream of imparting
years working with our ministry— wisdom and revolutionizing their lives before the end of the first month.
learning how we reach students and Well, it doesn’t take long before we’re humbled and we awaken to the reality
help them deepen their faith. As
we read through the applications,
that youth ministry simply doesn’t work this way.
the number one quality we look for Shortly after you start working with students, you find yourself at a fork in
is a teachable spirit. the road. You can either become a learner or try to fake your way through.
An assumption many people have is Fakers will hide their need for more training. They believe they can figure
that we are looking for people fresh it out on their own. Fakers eventually crack under pressure, while learners
out of college. However, many of tend to become stronger leaders. Learners are the ones who find a mentor,
our applicants have already been
youth pastors and have learned
seek knowledge, and make humble attempts to increase their knowledge
that what they really need is to… and impact. They make a commitment to keep learning.
um, learn more. I love this type As you serve in student ministry, I hope you set high expectations for what
of humility. Our best interns have
come to our internship program
you will learn, experience, and contribute. Instead of pursuing good grades,
bruised and eager to learn how to you’re now aiming to influence and mold real lives. Try to make it a goal to
do ministry more effectively. arrive at youth group anxious to make a difference and with an eagerness to
learn. And believe me, there’s something to learn every week.
Serve with the realization that you’ll always have more to learn. Make it
a goal to learn valuable leadership and relational skills that are unique
to youth ministry. Your continuously teachable spirit will make a sizable
difference in your enjoyment and the influence you can have as a student
ministry leader.
As you stay open and teachable, students will see your humble heart
expressed in a desire to learn, and they’ll more readily accept your leader-
ship. You’ll earn the right to lead, ask tough questions, and raise the bar for
students under your care.
YOUTH LEADER TRAINING ON THE GO

2. L E A RN E A RLY
CONNECT to God’s Word T O T HE POINT
• Learners become effective
“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach
leaders.
a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and • Turn past mistakes and
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” failures into future moments
—Proverbs 9:9-10
for learning and successes.
• Realize that learning more is
vital to becoming a healthy
• Think of wise and effective people you know. How
volunteer.
does this verse relate to them?
• Who can you learn from as a youth volunteer?
TRY I T
Write a response and prayer to God here…
As a youth worker, it is so important
to rub shoulders with those who
have been in the trenches of youth
ministry longer than you have been.
Look for a youth ministry veteran
you can talk to. If you don’t find
someone in your church, contact
local churches to hunt down a
veteran youth worker.
Offer to buy lunch in exchange for
answers to your questions. This time
will be valuable in the context of
your youth ministry, and chances are
you’ll also pick up some life wisdom
as well.
You might also find a ministry
veteran in your own church to
mentor you on an ongoing, monthly
basis. Or if you’ve been in youth
ministry for a while, consider
mentoring a younger leader who
hasn’t served as long and has
something to gain from you.
MA K E IT PER SONAL
Permission to photocopy this handout granted for local church use. Copyright © Doug Fields. Published in Youth Leader Training on the Go
by Group Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO 80539. www.youthministry.com and www.simplyyouthministry.com