Leaders Wanted

By Doug Franklin September 16, 2009

For as long as I have been in youth ministry, I have been watching trends; how youth ministry changes and evolves. This fascinates me. It’s been my observation that two forces have brought change to youth ministry over the years. They are the mega church youth pastors, and youth conferences (mainly, I am talking about the Youth Specialties and the Willow Creek youth ministry conferences). These two forces have become what youth pastors listen to as “cutting edge” or what they should aspire to be.  But, I believe things are starting to change. I see youth workers coming to the realization that they are called to lead by God. Placed by Him in their position with all the gifts He wanted them to have. Their job is no longer to be like (fill in the blank).  Their job requires them to be themselves. They are God’s person for the job and what they need to understand is that He has given them everything they need to be successful in His eyes.  Youth ministry is no longer looking for copycats, we are looking for leaders.