Most of us are frantically planning strategies, games, events, gimmicks, and whatever else we can think of to make this season the best yet in our ministries. We want to see more students come through the doors, deeper connections to Christ, stronger relationships formed, and all around better ministry take place.

All of that is awesome, we should always be striving to do the best that we can, and I do have plans for games, events, strategies, and gimmicks for this season. But putting all of that aside, here is the best thing you can do for your ministry this season that will in fact strengthen all of those areas.

Pour into your leaders!

Whether they are volunteer leaders, paid ministry staff, or simply supporting leaders like the clean up crew or the snack people, the best thing you can do is pour into them! Seasoned youth workers know that volunteers/staff are what make the ministry run, and those are the people that needing to be kept full if the ministry is going to flourish.

Here are a few ways that your leaders need you to pour into them…

1. Train Them!

The biggest disservice you can give any of your leaders is to push them into the game without being trained. In my years as a college baseball player I experienced first hand the importance of training and preparation.  We worked tirelessly in practice so that during the games we were prepared. Our coach always said, “we may not be as talented or as physical, but we WILL be more prepared.” It was so true, and I am so glad that we were ready when it was game time.

The same goes for our leaders. We need to be training and preparing them for the game. Do they have to have an equivalent of an Mdiv and 30hrs of training a week, NO. But you do need to be pouring into them by training and equipping them for some of the situations they may encounter.

2. Care For Them!

Our leaders have needs just like our students do and sometimes by simply taking an interest in their lives we can minister to them. Care about their needs. They have lives and they have things that they need, find ways to help them out and pour into their lives. Care about their walk with Christ and help them to strengthen their relationship with Him. Pour into your leaders by caring for them personally.

3. Empower Them!

Believe in your leaders. It can be so empowering to your leaders if they simply know that you trust them and believe in their abilities. Give them the freedom to do ministry.  One of the best feelings as a youth pastor is to be informed of a situation, either bad or good, that came up at youth group and then be informed on how it was handled and taken care of before you were even involved. When you empower your leaders to do ministry, you not only pour into them and their value but you also immensely improve the quality of the overall ministry.

The best thing you can do for your ministry in this season is not through your plans, it’s through your people. Pour into your leaders!

TODD JONES has been in youth ministry for 10 years and has a passion for reaching lost students and training youth workers to do the same. He is the founder of STOKEDONYOUTHMINISTRY.COM, a speaker, author, and pastor. When Todd is not writing or speaking he enjoys surfing, baseball, and most importantly hanging out with his awesome wife and three beautiful daughters. You can connect with Todd at STOKEDONYOUTHMINSITRY.COM, THETODDJONES.COM, or on Twitter @THETODD_JONES, or Instagram @TODD_JONES.