The Quiet Impact of Faithful Volunteers Students Never Forget

If you grew up attending a local youth group, I think it is safe to assume that you remember more about the volunteers who cared for you than the specifics of sermons that were preached. I would dare to say that you may even still be in contact with one or more of your Sunday school teachers or youth group leaders. While many of us still struggle to find volunteers to serve long term, it is also true that many churches have one or two leaders who might have served for decades, helping lead young people to know Jesus.

I think it is safe to assume that you remember more about the volunteers who cared for you than the specifics of sermons that were preached.

I serve alongside multiple volunteers who have served the church through various seasons for more than 10 years of youth ministry at my local church. God is using these men and women not only to serve students currently in our ministry but also to continue to be a steady presence, providing a foundation of faith-based relationships for students who have already graduated. In my role as youth pastor, the ones who have impacted me the most have been the ones who have stayed faithful and choose to serve sacrificially, caring for teenagers year after year.

It is true that finding good volunteers in youth ministry has sometimes perpetuated social norms—the most social, outgoing, and excited candidates seem to be ready for the assignment immediately. Yes, God uses such individuals in the ministry. But we should be aware of the significance of volunteers who are steadfast in their commitment and have many spiritual gifts to build strong bonds of faith among young people coming to the church from many different contexts.

Organizing a strong volunteer team remains an evergreen topic in youth ministry. Our best volunteers aren’t flashy; they are faithful. Here are some questions to help you build a volunteer team for the long haul:

  • What might your next season of volunteer recruitment look like if you seek out a few volunteers who you simply admire for their passion for steady faith and servant leadership?
  • Where might you find volunteers who have enough space in their lives to give a year or more to the students at your church?
  • How can you as a leader commit to healthy systems that provide space for your current leadership team and yourself to not burnout so you can serve students long term?

Young people of today are so used to fast-paced media and changes to their routine that we have the opportunity to create a place of stability and longevity in their relationships at youth group and to live out our calling as a community of faith. We have the chance to give them a foundation of leaders who will pray them into adulthood and be a lifeline as they enter into the next season of life and beyond. However, we should be intentional in seeking out leaders who are committed to a life of discipling.

Young people of today are so used to fast-paced media and changes to their routine that we have the opportunity to create a place of stability and longevity in their relationships at youth group and to live out our calling as a community of faith.

The faith conversations that happen year after year over fast food, in smelly church vans, and late at night at camps are special because leaders have the opportunity to share everyday life and faith with students. While God uses all of us to share the gospel with students, I hope you will consider saying thank you to those who have been alongside you in ministry for the long haul. Also, consider seeking out some new volunteers who want to see many generations of youth ushered into a relationship with Jesus at your local church.

Jen Willard
Latest posts by Jen Willard (see all)