Check out his blog to see what he's saying about Leadership Development. Then follow him on Twitter to get updates on what he's thinking.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Creativity & Youth Ministry
Check out his blog to see what he's saying about Leadership Development. Then follow him on Twitter to get updates on what he's thinking.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Why Bryan Allain Should Help You Hire Your Next Youth Pastor
Over the past few weeks I have been really trying to figure out what I am going to be doing next after my current role at LeaderTreks ends in August. As I have started searching all over the web I have found tons of postings from churches saying they have jobs available. Now while I am looking at a wide range of job opportunities I am only going to be referring to one: Youth Pastor/Director positions.
I have probably read close to 100 job descriptions that are in search of a youth worker. After reading all of them & applying to only a few I have realized three reasons why a lot of churches need Bryan Allain's help. Bryan is a funny guy I just came across on Twitter & am now hooked on his blog. He combines great whit with honest truth & I think most youth ministry job seekers would appreciate his candor.
1. Be Realistic--Now I know in scripture Paul talks about being all things to all people (1 Cor 9:22), but I don't think he was using that in the context of trying to land his next gig. Churches, most of us looking at your jobs are in our mid to late 20s. It is ridiculous for you to ask for someone who has a masters, five years of youth ministry experience, tech-savvy, able to lead & develop a youth worship band, speak Spanish, oh and somehow be married with all the free time leftover from burying ourselves into the ground trying to do it all.
*helpful hint: we know you want someone who is going to be great for your students, so if you must list all the above requirements, add some humor to it (insert Bryan here).
2. Website--Good grief, whatever currency churches earned with me on their job description, many burned it up when I clicked on the link to go to their church website. If your website looks like it is from 1995 I'm going to assume you are a little old fashioned. Sure it would be nice to think "they are probably too busy in the community spreading the love of Jesus to update their website," but in reality it probably means they're thinking, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Which probably means you want the youth ministry to be like it was in 1995.
*this is probably why you want your next youth worker to be tech-savvy isn't it?
**Elmbrook Church has pretty good website.
3. Expectations--To be honest, the relationship I have with my future Senior Pastor is the thing I am more worried about than anything else. So it often scares me when I read in these job descriptions that I am basically supposed to shut my mouth, get in line with all the other people at the church (staff & members), and do what he tells me. Chances are this guy is 15-20 years older than me. Chances are he has a lot of ministry & experiences under his belt. But if that just equates to entitlement for him, then I will pass. Tony Dungy mentors Mike Vick, & they weren't best buddies or a part of the same team. If you, Senior Pastor, can't promise me a relationship that goes beyond what my budget looks like & how many kids are coming then don't get mad at me when I have "WWEvangelism Night: Wrestling Your Way Through Life".
*if this describes your youth pastor/senior pastor relationship I suggest checking out The Disconnect by Doug Franklin.
What has been your experience with job searching and a church's requirements & expectations?
I have probably read close to 100 job descriptions that are in search of a youth worker. After reading all of them & applying to only a few I have realized three reasons why a lot of churches need Bryan Allain's help. Bryan is a funny guy I just came across on Twitter & am now hooked on his blog. He combines great whit with honest truth & I think most youth ministry job seekers would appreciate his candor.
1. Be Realistic--Now I know in scripture Paul talks about being all things to all people (1 Cor 9:22), but I don't think he was using that in the context of trying to land his next gig. Churches, most of us looking at your jobs are in our mid to late 20s. It is ridiculous for you to ask for someone who has a masters, five years of youth ministry experience, tech-savvy, able to lead & develop a youth worship band, speak Spanish, oh and somehow be married with all the free time leftover from burying ourselves into the ground trying to do it all.
*helpful hint: we know you want someone who is going to be great for your students, so if you must list all the above requirements, add some humor to it (insert Bryan here).
2. Website--Good grief, whatever currency churches earned with me on their job description, many burned it up when I clicked on the link to go to their church website. If your website looks like it is from 1995 I'm going to assume you are a little old fashioned. Sure it would be nice to think "they are probably too busy in the community spreading the love of Jesus to update their website," but in reality it probably means they're thinking, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Which probably means you want the youth ministry to be like it was in 1995.
*this is probably why you want your next youth worker to be tech-savvy isn't it?
**Elmbrook Church has pretty good website.
3. Expectations--To be honest, the relationship I have with my future Senior Pastor is the thing I am more worried about than anything else. So it often scares me when I read in these job descriptions that I am basically supposed to shut my mouth, get in line with all the other people at the church (staff & members), and do what he tells me. Chances are this guy is 15-20 years older than me. Chances are he has a lot of ministry & experiences under his belt. But if that just equates to entitlement for him, then I will pass. Tony Dungy mentors Mike Vick, & they weren't best buddies or a part of the same team. If you, Senior Pastor, can't promise me a relationship that goes beyond what my budget looks like & how many kids are coming then don't get mad at me when I have "WWEvangelism Night: Wrestling Your Way Through Life".
*if this describes your youth pastor/senior pastor relationship I suggest checking out The Disconnect by Doug Franklin.
What has been your experience with job searching and a church's requirements & expectations?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
December Newsletter
It is quite surprising that 2010 is already in its final act. A lot has happened in the last twelve months. Mission trips to 3 different countries & ten states has allowed me to travel & experience God’s world more than I had in my entire life up to this point. On top of that there have been hundreds of students I have been able to meet, encourage, teach & challenge as they face the same big world we do. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, I got lucky enough to have the beautiful Andrea Kroll to agree to marry me!
Our God has been good to me these past twelve months & it is during the times that I write to you that He reminds me of his faithfulness. A verse that the Lord has brought to me as of late comes from Psalm 37. In verse 7 it says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, & wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” There have been several times of question as I’ve worked many hours & wondered how God would answer the needs of my heart. Patience is hard thing for me, especially when waiting on the Lord to act. But I’ve learned it doesn’t stop there. He requires me to react. The Lord’s “acting” should prompt a response in our lives. This is my challenge for you during this Holiday Season; to not only wait for the Lord to act, but to have the courage to respond to him. He is looking for us to trust and obey him in our relationship with him.
I pray this Christmas is unlike any other in your life. I’m praying that all of you are moved to action, to respond to what our Savior has done for us and to say that your life will leave a legacy for Him from here on out.
50 Giving 40
I am thankful for you in your desire to pray, encourage & partner with me financially. Your support is one the major contributors to my success at LeaderTreks.
This time of the year is often when a lot of us look at going above & beyond what we give regularly throughout the year. I want to ask that you consider me & my ministry at LeaderTreks in that decision. Your financial support goes straight into our program of developing leaders to fulfill the Great Commission & to the needs of the missionaries & the people they love & serve.
I am still working towards my goal of having 50 households committing to giving $40 a month. We are now at 14, two more since the last newsletter in October! Some of you may still have that tea packet laying around. I ask you to make a cup & spend some time in prayer asking God how you can partner with me. With LeaderTreks being a recognized 501.c3 (non-profit) almost anything can be given & be valid for an income tax deduction. Stocks, vehicles & unused airline miles are a few examples. Please contact me with any questions you may have about partnering with me or donating with a year end gift.
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