An Open Letter from a Veteran Youth Pastor to the New Guy in Town

You do not know me – but I know you. Word spreads fast when a new Youth Pastor is coming to town. I heard this is your first church but from what others are saying, you appear to be very qualified for the position. I know the Pastor and leadership are expecting a lot from you.

I really wish I could come by…Take you to lunch. Some of the things I want to share would be better said eye to eye. I would like to share the things I wish someone would have shared with me at your stage of ministry. But the truth is, I probably would not have listened. I would like to believe you will handle it more maturely.

You see, I came to town just like you, convinced that I had answers to questions no one was even asking yet. My heart was good but it was not teachable: and if I had it to do over…well, I would.

So, like I said, you don’t know me but I am going to share some thoughts with you that may just save you some of the heartache and grief that I had to endure – mostly due to my own pride:

• Determine the best time of your day and give it to God even in the busy times.
• Accountability is vital and choosing another Youth Pastor would be great.
• Define your moral boundaries with the youth group and keep them.
• Develop a leadership team and allow them to function as more than babysitters.
• Treat your leadership team with respect.
• Honor your Pastor and never publicly criticize him.
• Meet with and keep your Pastor frequently informed.
• Connect with the parents immediately to create a plan for working together.
• Communicate consistently with your parents: they are partners not the enemy.
• Take a day off. Seriously, a real day off.
• Remember you are the leader: do not try to be or act like a teen.
• Remind yourself occasionally that you are not as good as you think you are.

Well. There you have it. I am sure I left something out, but I know this much: If someone had told me all this when I first arrived, I would not be leaving town feeling like a failure. –  And you would not be sitting at my desk reading this letter.