Your pastor can be your biggest ally in the youth ministry in your church. And because of that potential strength, youth leaders need to be careful to ask for and listen to the pastor’s counsel, and to be aggressive in keeping the pastor informed, involved and active as a member of your youth ministry team.

Here are a few tips on how to work successfully with your pastor:

Seven Ways to Work With Your Pastor

1. Create a Regular Appointment Time. You should meet with your pastor at least once a month.
2. Clear Calendar Items. Stay at least six months ahead of major events, projects and programs. The more advance notice, the better.
3. Discuss Your Strategies. Talk about your philosophy of youth ministry, your goals, and your overall approach to ministry. Ask for advice and support.
4. Reveal Specific Plans. Give your pastor a list of the Sabbath School and AYS leaders and teachers for the coming month. Discuss details of projects, special events and programs, social events, and personnel.
5. Work on Budgets. Go over your budgets together, line-by-line. Explain the financial support you need, the ways you intend to raise the necessary funds and what help you need from the church.
6. Give Personal Invitations. Be sure to invite your pastor to attend programs and events, give devotions to your youth group, and make appearances, even when he or she can’t stay for the entire event.
7. Evaluate.  Ask for your pastor's opinion on specific events and programs. Listen carefully. Take carefully. Take notes. Make the changes you can agree with.

“From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry”
© 2000 John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.