The most common problem I hear from youth leaders is not having enough help. Planning games, teaching, finding mission projects, working on camp . . . youth ministry is a lot of work. In a lot of churches, the work all falls to one or two volunteer leaders. How do you get more help?

God calls leaders when he wants to accomplish something. When we don’t have enough leaders in a ministry, it is because of one of two problems: either we are trying to do things that God never called us to do, or the people God is calling to invest in the ministry have not yet responded to his call.

Perhaps the first strategy to implement as you look for more help is to ask God to show you what he wants you to do. It is possible that the best way to help your ministry is to quit doing some things that God never called you to do. The denomination may have told you that you need to do it. Other churches may be invested in it. Folks at the church may expect it to be done. But, ask the question of God and of other church leaders: Is this what God has called us to do?

So, how do you find the help to do the things God has called your church to do in your youth ministry? Here are my suggestions:

1. Pray. I suppose that sounds trite, but I’m serious. If God is the one who calls out the workers for what he wants done, we need to start our enlistment of workers by asking God to reveal to us who he has called.
2. Watch. Look for people who love God and love teenagers.
3. Train. Strange that I would list training above enlisting, isn’t it? Too often, we enlist people who don’t understand the job we are enlisting them for. Training may be a formal training class at your church, a training seminar offered by someone else, or a mentorship where someone watches you do ministry. However you approach training, invite people you think God might be calling to find out more about youth ministry.
4. Enlist. Ask adults to consider serving in the youth ministry. Tell them specifically what you have in mind, but leave the door open for them to suggest a different role for themselves.
5. Support. Once you have a new youth leader, expect him or her to be more work for you for the first few months. New youth leaders will need some time getting acquainted with the youth, getting to know youth materials, and getting comfortable with their role. Give them lots of support as they get started.
6. Freedom. New youth leaders who are worth their salt are going to want to try doing things in a different way. They are going to have their own opinions about how to disciple teenagers. Allow them to experiment (in ways that won’t cause damage to the kids or the church).

Most youth leaders get in a hurry when they start enlisting new youth leaders. Fiinding the right youth leaders is not a quick process. It takes careful prayer and an investment of tiem. Take your time and look for God’s guidance.