5 Characteristics of Prospective Youth Leaders

By Josh Evans

What being a student leader really looks like.

Every leader understands the importance of recruiting and developing volunteers. It is not rocket science, but so few do this the right way.
Why? I believe we recruit people, but not always the right people.
But part of being a good leader is not only recruiting people, it is recruiting the right people.
So, if we want to recruit the right people in youth ministry, how can we know that they are the right people for the job? Here are some things to look for when recruiting youth leaders:

1. Personal Growth Plan

Before you throw a leader to help lead your students, ask them what their personal growth plan looks like.
A personal growth plan assures you that they are growing, and they have a path that will continue to help them keep on growing.
One of the reasons our youth ministries are not growing faster is because we have a lot of leaders leading who have never been led themselves.
Your leaders cannot lead if they are not being led themselves.

2. Personal Integrity

We need leaders of integrity teaching our students.
Craig Groeschel said in his book Altar Ego that “your reputation is what others think about you, and your integrity is the real you.”
I want leaders who are authentic and not just popular.

3. Attitude

Skills are necessary, but a person’s attitude in your youth ministry can be a key component in taking your youth ministry take next level.
If you have not read Kurt Johnson’s five attitudes of prospective youth leaders, go do it now. You can read it here.
That article is a game changer and will change the way that you recruit leaders.

4. Relational

You must recruit leaders who can build relationships with students.
Students are at some of the most awkward stages of their lives, and sometimes they are awkward in the way that they communicate with adults. Your leaders must be able to create conversations with these students.

5. Commitment

Recruit leaders who can commit.
Give an end date to give people an out, and ask for them to sign a contract to commit until the end date. I am convinced that many people do not volunteer because they believe they are signing up for life. Give them a time commitment.
If a prospective youth leader cannot be at youth group regularly, find a different place in your church where they can serve. Recruit committed leaders.

6. Teach-ability

The last thing that you need are leaders who have arrived and have nothing else to learn. You do not need leaders who believe that they know more than you.
Recruit leaders who can learn from you.
Recruit leaders who can learn from others.
Recruit leaders who are teachable.

[Question] What would you add to this list? What do you look for in prospective youth leaders?