Written by BJ Bungard

“I’m a youth minister and I just switched churches.” That phrase seems more common than others in the church world. I was speaking with a long-lost friend on the phone the other day and found out that he moved churches just recently. I told him that was fitting because I was in transition, too. Over the past few months I have resigned from one church and started working at another church. I know, it’s a common story.

Don’t worry, this article isn’t meant to condemn anyone for moving churches, or for staying at one. These words are pointed toward those individuals who find themselves moving from one ministry position to another, wondering what to focus on first, asking where to put priorities, and deciding how to do ministry in the new setting.

Here are six areas I am focusing my attention on in my new ministry position.

1. My Family

Right now we are in the final stages of selling a house, buying a new one, getting a good mortgage, ending two jobs, starting a new one, and the list goes. Transitions are stressful. I’m making it a priority to do whatever it takes to make this move a little less stressful for my wife. This means making all the phone calls, communicating everything, and frequent foot rubs. I’m not kidding about the foot rubs. I even went out and got special peppermint foot scrub. It’s worth it. My family will be the one constant factor through my professional church life.

2. Asking the Right Questions

Asking the right questions is crucial to starting a new ministry. Here are some of the questions I have asked of myself recently. What is the strategy in place already? Who are the key players on my ministry team? What are the resources available? What are the staff relationships really like? Do people know what success looks like in their volunteer roles? What are the expectations from above? What is the perception of this ministry in the church? What is going to be the thing that sets this youth ministry apart?

3. My Bad Ministry Habits

A good friend of mine, who also just transitioned, says this about moving ministry positions. “It’s a great time to change your habits.” He’s right. It’s a great time to realign yourself with the person God has called you to be. For me, this means focusing solely on Student Ministry. I may be in on other game-changing conversations, but my priority is Student Ministry. If your bad habit is coming in late, there is no better time to start coming in early. If your bad habit is cynicism, there is no better time to praise everybody around you publicly.

4. First Six Months

Affectionately referred to as “the honeymoon,” your first six months defines who you are in your new ministry position. I’m not going to figure everything out about this new ministry in the first six months, but I am going to define what kind of pastor I am in the first six months. Here is my philosophy about the first six months. When you get there, shake hands, smile, and go to lunch with whomever asks you. Then, after a couple months, don’t smile until Christmas. Work like they’re paying you double. You’ll be amazed at how well you’re perceived and how well leadership responds to you.

5. Caring More About Volunteers than Students

In my previous ministry, I went in and immediately got to know all the students. I wasn’t consciously neglecting my volunteers, but that’s how it was perceived. This time around, I am making my team my priority. During my first few weeks on the job, I made at least one phone call a day to somebody on the Student Ministry Team. I am sending out more emails than usual to my team. I want them to know their level of involvement and spiritual health are important to me and the health of our ministry. I don’t want anyone to see me as a lone ranger. I need these adults if our church is going to have a dynamic and effective youth ministry.

6. A$king for Everything

Concerning financial matters, make an inventory of everything you would like to have and define how it would benefit your ministry. Give it to your boss and clearly ask for those items. You will be surprised. They’ll spend the money because they told you during your interview you would have plenty of resources. They’ll also spend the money because they’re betting on your success as much you are looking forward to your success. And you’ll have those new 42” in LCD’s you’ve had your eye on. Well, at least I have them.

In starting over in a new place, may you make growing with Christ your ultimate priority. May the spirit of Christ in you increase as you grow in ministry.