Whether you are working with two students or two dozen, doing youth ministry on your own will limit your ministry. Youth ministry works best as a team sport. Sure, you might be the Kobe Bryant of youth ministry, but even Kobe needs someone to pass him the ball. A team of youth leaders helps you to touch different kinds of teenagers, offer different approaches to ministry, and find support from other members of the team. In almost every situation, if you have help in youth ministry, your youth ministry will be stronger.

So, let’s assume that you have decided who you will ask to help you in the ministry. How do you approach him or her?

First, no whining or apologizing. Youth ministry is the most exciting ministry anyone can be a part of in the church. You are offering someone the opportunity to get a front row seat to see God move a pimply-faced 13 year old into a confident and committed high school graduate who is committed to living his life for maximum impact on the kingdom of God. One of your students may be the next Billy Graham and most of the people in your church won’t notice him until he’s gone. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Second, no begging. If God is not moving a person toward youth ministry, he is not the right person. Remember that God may change his mind later, but start looking for someone else.

Third, no newsletter announcements, letters, or phone calls. Make an appointment . . . maybe over lunch. Talk to her face to face. Tell her what you see in her that you think would help your youth ministry and invite her to get involved.

Fourth, no vague pleas for help. Have in mind exactly what you would like to him to do. Let him know that there is more than one way he can get involved, but what you would really like him to commit to doing is . . . Be specific. He may have a counter offer (which if fine), but let him know what you would like from him.

Fifth, no fuzzy estimates of the time the job will take. Do your best to estimate how many hours you are asking for and when those hours will be. Give him a clear understanding of how much time it will take to show up for Sunday school, prepare a lesson every other week, and come to a monthly youth activity — if that’s the help you need.

Sixth, no sink or swim approaches to youth leadership. Get your new youth leader to some training. Talk with her about how to do youth ministry. Be there to support her until she begins to feel comfortable. Talk often. Provide support, encouragement, and direction as she needs it.