A beautiful oak desk, nice sitting chair, and spacious room where you can plan and process all that you have to do, would be an amazing office to have as a Student Minister. Unfortunately, that is rare. In fact, a student minister may not have an office at all. It’s sad, but true. So, if a student minister doesn’t have an office area to work in or store things in, what does one have? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the random closet down the hall, next to the janitors supplies. 

While having a “closet” may not be ideal, what is in that closet is really important. It consists of supplies and props that can help make or break a student minister’s success. So what is in said closet? What is needed? Here is a list of 15 items a successful youth minister should keep in their closet.

Duct Tape

Whether it is for last minute fixes or for games, duct tape comes in handy in almost any student ministry situation.

Camera/Video Camera

Great stuff happens when students get together. Have a camera ready to take videos, or still pictures, so you can post them. Oh, you don’t necessarily need to go buy one, since almost every student and adult leader has a smart phone. 

Music Playlist

While this may not necessarily be stored in your closet (unless you have an old iPod or phone you are using as a music player), having music helps in student ministry. Whether it is playing as you are welcoming students, playing games or wrapping up the evening, have a playlist or two ready to play at any time. You never know when this will come in handy.

Trash Bags

When you are in student ministry, anything can happen at any time. So make sure you have plenty of trash bags in your office. You can use them to pick up trash or use as impromptu tarps in a last minute game.

Bandannas

How many times have you wanted to do a game that required a blindfold or needed something extra for your country/western night and you didn’t have a bandanna? Sure you could make it work. But if you had a stack of them in office, you will never be without.

Dodgeballs

Having some dodgeballs handy can always liven up time with students. 

Devotionals

Yes, YouVersion and other Bible apps are great to have for devotionals. However, even today, some students may not have a smartphone (think young middle schoolers) and some just won’t download an app. Have some devotionals on hand to give out as students search for more information to instruct their spiritual journey. 

Snacks

Food is a way to a student’s, especially guys, heart. Give students some food, and for some reason, they tend to talk a little more. Popcorn, chips or cookies will come in handy.

Staples or Paper Clips

Really boring stuff right here. But after 20 years of ministry, these things really do come in handy. Make sure you have a good supply. 

Gift Cards

Who doesn’t like to get a gift card? Whether you are giving a card away as a prize or just to be nice, having a stack of different gift cards, from different places, would be great to have in your office. 

Shaving Cream

This is the foam kind, not the gel kind. Shaving cream is easy to store and can be used in those last minute game ideas or just for fun with students (shaving cream war throughout the halls of your Church building with students is always appreciated-not). 

Video Games

Having a Nintendo Switch or other game consul, even something old like an N64, to pull out and play with students at events or hangout can be really beneficial. 

Board Games

While these may not be as current or as exciting as some of the video games you could play, having a bunch of board games you can break out is always great. 

Streaming Device

These come in all different shapes and sizes. Having an Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku or a Google Chromecast in your closet to break out for those random get togethers will definitely be useful. If your chosen streaming device is able to download and play games, that is an extra bonus. 

Wigs and Skit Clothes

Because you never know when you need to break out 70s disco man or 80s punk rocker. 

Whether you have a grand office or simply a closet, what is stored in there can really help you in your ministry to students. Some of these are fun and some may feel extravagant, but all of them can be used to help students discover God and maybe for the first time. This is a list of what I like to have in my Student Ministry office or closet. What do you like to have? Share your comments below.