The more I receive grace from the Lord to run youth ministry in the last nine (9) years the more I keep seeing the reality of characteristics that guarantee a successful ministry. Any Youth Pastor that will not fumble and mess up in ministry must have the following qualifications intact in his or her life:
1. Genuine Salvation Experience – He or she must be soundly saved with REAL proof of circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:28-29; Ezek. 36:26)
2. Spirit-Filled Life – with the evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit and fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)
3. Good Report among the brethren – (Acts 16:1-2) he must have unblemished testimony among the people.
4. Learning Spirit (Isaiah 50:4) – he must be a studious leader, reading the Bible and other relevant books; he is someone that is willing to learn from leaders around him.
5. Intimate Fellowship with the Lord – his or her daily devotion must be intact and vigorously pursued.
6. Deep understanding of what end-time youth ministry entails – he must realize that youth ministry needs plenty of skills and grace to truly see mighty revival.
7. Good Marital Background – he must marry well without controversial issue among the brethren.
8. Personal Growth – this must involve investment in his mind and character through books and he should change where necessary.
9. Vision To Raise Youths After God’s Heart – not someone who is just doing ministry to gather ceremonial and fun- Heart catching youths. 10. Strong prayer Life – he must be someone doing personal prayer and able to rally his youths into prayer chains.
11. Heart of an Elder – though young in body yet he must reason, talk and handle issues like an elder.
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12. Strong in Character – he must add godly and biblical character to faith, always working on his weak point in behavior.
13. Accountability – he is accountable to God, leaders and good record keeping.
14. Good Management Skill – he must manage people, facilities, resources etc.
15. Resourceful – he or she has different materials and keeps gathering resources to train, disciple, nurture and grow God’s people.
16. Programme Planner – he understands what kind of programme that will bring best result; he knows the time, season and where to hold a programme and yield spiritual and all-round health to youth.
17. Watchfulness and Discipline – he is careful of his relationship with members of the Youth Church especially if he or she is not married. He must watch his appetite. what he eats, what he hears and what he watches.
18. Exemplary Life in Marriage – he must work to be a worthy emulation of a godly young husband and father and an example of a virtuous young wife to other young ladies. His marriage must not destroy his ministry neither should his ministry be allowed to destroy his marriage.
19. Image-conscious – he knows he is in the public’s spot light.
20. Heaven-conscious – Heaven is his goal in all he or she does; he seeks to prepare people for heaven and to do a work that will bring profit to heaven and humanity.