Resume for Youth Pastoring

Almost Enough · 07-03-2009, 07:01 PM

Does anybody have any good tips on making a resume for a youth pastoring position? Keep in mind that I'm already very involved in volunteer leadership and such, and I've known the pastors forever. I am used to writing resumes for secular professions, but it seems as though there should be something else in a ministry resume. Maybe some samples?

Also, pray for me. This is something that's been on my heart for a long time, and it seems like the perfect situation that God is bringing about. It's truly in His hands.

jthomas1600 · 07-03-2009, 07:08 PM

A quick question. If I'm reading between the lines correctly it sounds like there is a paid position coming available at your church and you are considering applying for the position. Is that right?

Almost Enough · 07-03-2009, 07:12 PM

Correct.

I will be applying for a paid internship position, that could potential become a full time youth pastoring position.

The current youth pastor is actually the other guitarist/vocalist in my band. He's going off to YWAM for missionary work.

I've been helping with the high school group a lot, and actually grew up in the church and going through the youth programs. I'm involved in a lot of ministries, but none that are paid. That's what I'll be applying for.

**bread man** · 07-03-2009, 07:25 PM

Sounds like a similar situation to when I applied for my current job at my church (I was heavily involved volunteering, grew up there, etc). When I applied I was given a list of selection criteria that I had to respond to in my application. I guess it was made easier by the fact that they knew me already.

jthomas1600 · 07-03-2009, 07:30 PM

I'm with you in that all my resume experience is in the secular world where you list previous accomplishments, special training/education etc. Somehow this doesn't quite feel right for your situation. Is it an open position where they will be looking at a large number of candidates? Have they specifically asked for a resume?

I'm thinking if I were in your position and wanted them to have something in their hand like a resume the bulk of it might be focused on my burden and vision for the ministry. Almost more like a mission statement. Maybe I would say "I believe the the purpose of youth ministry should be to.." A. Glorify God. B. Bring lost souls to a saving relationship with Jesus. C. Edify and disciple the youth with in the church. (I just threw that together. Don't know if that's really the purpose...) Then I might address each of those items one at a time commenting on what I bring to the table that would be helpful to that end.

Anyway, interesting topic. I look forward to reading some other responses.

Almost Enough · 07-03-2009, 07:31 PM

Well I've talked to the head pastor, and like I said, we're pretty close. He told me that there have been a few resumes turned in from local Simpson University students, who have been going to school for youth ministry. I have never been to ministry school, but then again, neither have much of the board members/pastors/ministry leaders.

They don't really have an application, or a criteria list like you've stated. What sort of thing were they looking for? I'm guessing you were successful, as you referred to it as your current job.

Almost Enough · 07-03-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthomas1600

I'm with you in that all my resume experience is in the secular world where you list previous accomplishments, special training/education etc. Somehow this doesn't quite feel right for your situation. Is it an open position where they will be looking at a large number of candidates? Have they specifically asked for a resume?

I'm thinking if I were in your position and wanted them to have something in their hand like a resume the bulk of it might be focused on my burden and vision for the ministry. Almost more like a mission statement. Maybe I would say "I believe the the purpose of youth ministry should be to.." A. Glorify God. B. Bring lost souls to a saving relationship with Jesus. C. Edify and disciple the youth with in the church. (I just threw that together. Don't know if that's really the purpose...) Then I might address each of those items one at a time commenting on what I bring to the table that would be helpful to that end.

Anyway, interesting topic. I look forward to reading some other responses.

They have specifically asked for a resume.

That's one of the peculiarities (and great traits) about our head pastor. He's really hard to read. Even though this is a ministry opportunity through the church that I already do ministries in, it's still a professional situation that isn't going to be dealt with like a good ol' boy system. I actually really like that. He never said I had a one up for being an active member, but never discounted me for lacking schooling. He wants me to take this seriously, as I plan on doing.

I like the mission statement idea. He mentioned that he wants me to at least touch on what I plan to bring to the ministry, and what my intentions are. He also wants me to list a series of positive traits and honest shortcomings I may encounter. Other than that, he pretty much left it open.

**bread man** · 07-03-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almost Enough

Well I've talked to the head pastor, and like I said, we're pretty close. He told me that there have been a few resumes turned in from local Simpson University students, who have been going to school for youth ministry. I have never been to ministry school, but then again, neither have much of the board members/pastors/ministry leaders.

They don't really have an application, or a criteria list like you've stated. What sort of thing were they looking for? I'm guessing you were successful, as you referred to it as your current job.

I was successful, though I don't know if anyone else applied, haha. If I remember correctly (this was well over a year ago), the criteria was pretty much directly related to what the job involves. I run all of the music for our children's ministry and so I think it asked about musical skills and experience (I cited my involvement in most of our church's music teams), leadership (cited my involvement in youth leadership and leading the youth band) and pastoral care type stuff (I just mentioned the relationships I've built with kids through youth leadership). It also asked about commitment to the church and its vision, as well as commitment to Christ.

The rest of it was the kind of thing you'd expect from any other job (ie ability to work alone, ability to work within a team, etc). That's how I remember it anyway. I have no formal ministry training either, if that's relevant.

jthomas1600 · 07-25-2009, 06:35 PM

I wanted to bump this thread back up to the top. I was kind of hoping you'd keep us posted. What approach did you take and how's it working out?

Almost Enough · 07-25-2009, 06:47 PM

Oh, here it is.

Well, I've written up a resume, and I'm having a few church leaders look it over as we speak. I mainly stressed skills/gifts having to do with ministry, and my past commitments and involvements with church and volunteer organizations.

I'm having one of the old youth pastors, a few current children's minsitry leaders, and a couple very involved members of the church write up some letters of recommendation and proofread my resume.

The worship leader at the church dropped a nice encouragement, and said I probably have a really good chance of getting the job. He said he's kinda bummed because I'm the main electric guitarist at church. Oh well.

If you guys would like I can post part of my resume up as an idea.

I really think it would be awesome if we could provide information like this for future youth ministers that are growing here on this site. There's not much information out there on the internet for ministry applications and resumes, but I think there's a pretty big demographic looking for that information.

The decision will likely be made late next month, or early September. Keep me in prayer.

Almost Enough · 08-24-2009, 08:24 PM

So, here's an update for any of those who are following.

The church is going to wait out filling in a full time youth pastor position until they get a feel for how the current situation will play out.

In the mean time, there are four people stepping in to help out as volunteers, myself included. I will be in charge of the music ministry and doing some teachings on various Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. I'm also currently the new leader of the church's new college ministry.

I get the feeling that since I've grown up in this church, I'm going to have to prove myself a little more than others when it comes to leadership positions. It feels as though some of my past experiences during high school and jr. high have had a lasting effect on impressions on myself. For example, throughout the church I'm renowned as the major culprit in almost every TP job that happens to a church leader. Though I've since retired from such childish games (temporarily...), and it's been YEARS since I've done any sort of major prankage, it's a big issue that comes up in discussions. This is just a personal observation, and I could be way off, but I doubt I am. It also seems as though the elder board wants to hold off on making a decision that involves a salary for as long as possible.

I'm still praying about it, and hoping that there will be a more permanent decision made soon.

Almost Enough · 11-05-2009, 06:58 PM

I thought I'd update you guys on my ongoing chronicles of potential youth pastor-hood.

I have been helping in the high school ministry for the past couple of months now. All is well, and I have high hopes for the future. I've been discussing with the pastors and elder board about a long term plan with the youth ministries, and they're loading me up with study materials and aids for teaching. We have discussed a possible paid position in the near future. Pretty exciting stuff. I think turning in a professional resume and coming to the board as a candidate and not as a buddy really helped. They take me a little more seriously now as a leader and minister in the church.

I'm hoping and praying for an open door to a position as a more permanent youth minister. I've got a good feeling about it, but it's all in God's hands.

Thanks to anybody who's prayed for me about it at all. If you would, keep it up. It's much appreciated.

lroy0410 · 12-05-2009, 11:41 PM

Ok, so I am new AND late to the discussion...but I gotta know how things are going! I was in the same boat over two years ago, and I know how it feels. Praying for you brother!!!

Almost Enough · 12-10-2009, 06:14 PM

I'm slowly but surely establishing a pretty solid relationship with the kids, parents, and church staff. I've been teaching regularly and heading up various events on my own. I'm not sure what my position technically is, but I just tell everyone I'm the youth pastor. Thanks for the prayer. I'll update every so often, and want to encourage anybody who is in a similar boat to keep at it. Feel free to PM if you have questions about my process.