At the NATIONAL YOUTH WORKERS CONVENTION, we stopped youth workers from all across the U.S. and asked them to share a 10-second youth ministry tip.

THE 10-SECOND TIP:

Don’t forget about the importance of candor. The ability to be open and honest with your team will help you become healthy and push you forward.

MY ADDED THOUGHTS:

A healthy amount of candor is important to the success of any youth ministry team. Even though there are some things you can’t be fully transparent about, it is possible to create a level of honesty that encourages your leaders, offers them opportunities of personal growth, and helps them understand how they can best support the work of the ministry.

Here are a few healthy ways you can develop this with your team:

1) Create an environment for candor.

Schedule a regular gathering with your team to reconnect, to share the recent joys of ministry, and to have a time of support for anyone who is struggling in their area.

2) Be transparent about where your ministry is lacking support.

You don’t have to share every detail and certainly don’t place blame on anyone for the lack of support, but your team should know if any fundamental elements are missing from your ministry. By being transparent with your team, they can help you think creatively about temporary, or even permanent solutions.

3) Honestly represent your own strengths and weaknesses.

We aren’t superhuman, and we shouldn’t have to be. Spend time understanding where you need help and vocalize it to your team. You most likely won’t have someone to fill the void for every gift and talent that your ministry needs, but if you’re honest about where you need help, your team can know how to offer the best support as a group.

4) Let your team in on the experimentation process.

Youth ministry requires a lot of trial and error. You might be experimenting with a new schedule, an adjustment to a program, or trying out a new camp or retreat center. Invite your team into the experiment so that they understand how to help you fine-tune things as you go. Also, if they are fully aware that you’re launching into uncharted territory, they’ll be much more understanding and supportive when an issue comes up and you’re struggling to find a solution.

Join us this year for the National Youth Workers Convention in Cincinnati, OH for way more tips and ministry ideas from the 50+ seminars and training opportunities. Register early for NYWC to save BIG: NYWC.COM.