Over Christmas break, I had a question I wanted answered. So I asked a bunch of youth pastors this question. I wanted to do this right, so I didn’t just ask people from my city. I talked with youth pastors from all over the country.
53 Youth Pastors.
1 Question.
What are the 3 greatest gifts that you wish your Senior Pastor would give you this year?
Now I’m not asking about iPads or a brand new Lexus with a big red bow on it (But how sweet would that be?!). What I’m asking has more to do with the work relationship you have with your pastor. What elements of leadership could he focus on, that would allow you to be a greater leader this year?
Here are the responses (based on number of mentions):
Trust – 23
Freedom – 20
Support – 17
Loyalty – 14
Mentorship/Coaching/Development – 12
Leadership – 12
Affirmation (Public & Private) – 11
Friendship – 10
Clear Communication – 9
Encouragement – 8
Budget – 7
Vision – 4
Time/Accessability – 4
Respect – 3
Stage Presence – 2
Other responses included: accountability, genuine interest in students, prayer, being real, time off, having a plan, wisdom, grace (in the midst of screw-ups), pay raise, and pastoring the youth pastors family.
I don’t think I need to draw any conclusions for you. The numbers speak for themselves. One conclusion I was able to draw through my conversations is that most of these responses are present because the gift is not. Youth Pastors all over the country are going without these gifts. Only one person I talked with specifically mentioned that he was getting “these gifts” from his pastor. Most were struggling.
I hope senior pastors are reading this. Send this to your senior pastor friends. Your youth pastor might be going without a crucial element to his/her development.
The top 3 responses tell a compelling story. Youth pastors are going without trust, freedom and support.
2011 can be different. Senior pastors, pursue your staff!