Here are 10 things we are looking for from our volunteer leaders as they serve in youth ministry.

A Millbrook Youth Leader:

1. Loves Jesus.

This may seem like a no-brainer but we want leaders that love Jesus more than anything or anyone else in the world! Because we proclaim “Christ Alone” in everything we teach & preach, we want leaders that believe it & show students that Jesus is worth it & that He is the goal of the Gospel.

2. Loves the Bible.

A Millbrook Youth Leader spends time with God in God’s Word everyday. They can say with David, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11)

3. Loves the Gospel.

The Gospel in a sentence is “In & through the life, death, & resurrection of Jesus Christ, God is making all things new!” The Gospel emphatically declares that God loves us because of what He has done, is doing, & is going to do, not because of what we do or do not do. We’re not shooting for right actions here, but rather, we are trusting God for transformation. That’s why we use the statement we stole from Matt Chandler at The Village Church TX:

“It’s Ok not to be Ok, it’s just not Ok to stay there”.

We want leaders that demonstrate this belief. We don’t need police officers making sure students behave correctly but Gospel focused leaders that love sinners & join God’s mission to make them new creations in Christ.

4. Loves Prayer.

If you were to ask me what the most important thing we do as a youth ministry is, it would be prayer. There is nothing more important in ministry! Jesus tells a parable to the effect that we ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1). Paul says in Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” And again in Ephesians 6:18 “pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” In Colossians 4:2 he says “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” and in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing.” Millbrook Youth Leaders are praying leaders.

5. Loves the Church.

Jesus loves His Church (Eph 5:25) and as followers of Jesus we should too! We want leaders that love the Body & Bride of Christ & get students plugged in to the Church and in to Community Groups.

6. Loves Students.

Millbrook Youth Leaders intentionally love students. Not just a few students but every student in the River Region. We believe that love is an action verb. Therefore, we want leaders that intentionally develop relationships with students, serve them, pray for them, & make disciples of them.

7. Loves the Mission & Vision.

Our Mission is to Glorify God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. Our Vision is to get the Gospel to every student in the River Region & bring them in to be a part of our faith family. We want Leaders that dream BIG with bold faith & are passionate about our mission. Millbrook Youth Leaders pray Habakkuk 3:2 prayers. “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

8. Loves Families.

We want leaders that love students’ families. We are more than just a youth ministry. We are part of the body of Christ at Millbrook First United Methodist Church. More than just loving students, we want leaders that love & serve students’ families as well. Millbrook Youth leaders are passionate about the mission of Millbrook First United Church.

9. Loves Pastors.

This might seem selfish at first but Hebrews 13:17 says “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Millbrook Youth Leaders pray for their Church’s leaders, support them, & follow their lead.

10. Loves Millbrook Youth Leaders.

Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Millbrook Youth Leaders love & serve one another. Students will follow your lead here more than any other thing you do and more than anything you say.

Jared Parker is the Minister to Youth and Young Adults at Millbrook FUMC in Millbrook, AL.