By Randy Jumper
Young adult ministry is a vital part of the church. It bridges the gap between youth and adulthood while equipping the next generation for lifelong faith and leadership. As a young adult pastor, one of your most important tasks is identifying strong, capable leaders who can effectively disciple, mentor, and guide their peers. So what kind of person should you look for to help you lead your young adult ministry? Look for someone who is:
1. Spiritually Mature
A strong young adult leader isn’t just enthusiastic about ministry—they are spiritually grounded. You want them to have a deep, personal relationship with Christ, a consistent prayer life, and a firm grasp of biblical truth. They need to be committed to church attendance and participation before you ask them to serve. Their faith should be evident in their daily life, inspiring those they lead to grow spiritually. Don’t compromise on spiritual maturity in your leadership team.
2. Likable
Young adults crave authentic relationships, so leaders must be approachable, relatable, and genuinely interested in others. Leaders should be able to connect with a diverse group of young adults, making them feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged in their faith. If people don’t like these leaders, they won’t follow them.
3. Servant-Hearted
Just as Jesus modeled servant leadership, young adult leaders should do the same. They should be willing to serve in any capacity, whether leading a Bible study, setting up chairs, or mentoring someone one-on-one. Great leaders serve well. They are less interested in being up front or the one “in charge.”
4. A Discipler
A young adult leader’s primary role is to disciple others. While relationships and fun are important, ministry leaders want people to grow spiritually first. They should help young adults develop their gifts, and eventually become leaders themselves. Intentionally mentoring others and creating an environment where spiritual growth thrives is a key part of these leaders’ role.
5. Dependable
Ministry requires commitment and reliability. A great young adult leader doesn’t just show up when it’s convenient—they follow through on commitments and take their responsibilities seriously. You want leaders to be model consistency. A finisher is someone who stays to the end and makes sure everything is complete.
6. Teachable
A willingness to learn is important in a team member. No leader has all the answers, and the best ones remain teachable. They should be willing to receive feedback, correction, and guidance from pastoral leadership while continuously growing in their faith and leadership skills.
Choosing the right young adult leader is not just about talent or personality—it’s about character, commitment, and a deep love for God and His people. By identifying spiritually mature, relational, and servant-hearted individuals, you can build a leadership team that helps to transform lives and strengthen the church for generations to come.
Your young adult ministry will only be as strong as its leaders—so invest in the right ones!