Here are two strategies to help you uplift those serving in your student ministry and create a healthier, stronger student ministry.
By Amanda Mejias
I have the privilege to of connecting with and equipping student ministers across the country, specifically women serving in student ministry (in both volunteer and staff positions). As our Lifeway team travels to various training events, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of women who serve in student ministry in recent years. Women are hungry and eager to walk faithfully in their calling to disciple teens and serve their churches well.
You might be surprised to hear this, but taking care of your volunteers—whether men or women—should look similar. However, let’s look closely at two strategic ways that will not only uplift the women who serve in your ministries but also help you create a healthier, stronger student ministry.
1. Communicate clearly
Communication should always be a priority with any volunteer you have, and how and when you communicate can be essential for building trust with the women serving in your ministries. Let’s break down a few simple ways to prioritize communication without burdening your to-do lists.
“Communication should always be a priority with any volunteer you have, and how and when you communicate can be essential for building trust with the women serving in your ministries.” — Amanda Mejias Share on XQuarterly
Each quarter you should have a meeting with your volunteers about how they’re doing and what’s coming up for your ministry. This can be as easy as getting your serving team together 30 minutes before a service starts. The goal of quarterly communication is to ask two main questions:
- How can I help you?
- How can you help our ministry?
Most women are eager to do all they can to help, but they need to know how they can help and that you’re also in their corner when they need help.
Pro Tip: Come prepared with a printed-out list of your upcoming events and specific needs.
Monthly
The women who serve in your ministry are so much more than just middle school girl leaders or champions of teen girl discipleship. They’re often women who have careers, are in school, are moms, wives, sisters, and more. You should have monthly (or bi-monthly) emails going out with the upcoming lessons and expectations, so they can plan and prepare thoroughly. Let these monthly check-ins also serve as a way for you to follow up with their questions or concerns.
Take time each month to also offer a podcast, article, book, or specific note from you to provide intentional training to them in their roles as leaders, teachers, and teen girl disciple-makers. This monthly kind of communication will help you ask the questions:
- Do you know what’s expected of you in your role?
- Do you feel equipped in your role?
Pro Tip: His Glory, Her Good is a podcast for women in your student ministry! There are new episodes weekly that you can send out to your volunteers.
Weekly
If you communicate plans and details on a quarterly and monthly basis, that means your focus can shift to encouragement weekly. Be careful to not have a transactional relationship with your volunteers. It’s necessary to see them as your sisters in Christ, who are so much more than simply what they do.
I recommend texting with your volunteers in a group on a weekly basis. But find ways to encourage your volunteers in person as much as possible. The goal of weekly communication is to ask the questions:
- How can I be praying for you?
- Do you know how thankful I am for you?
Pro Tip: If you have a large group of women serving in your ministry, choose one woman to be the “chief encourager” among this group to check in more and build personal relationships with each of your female volunteers.
2. Champion who they are
What percentage of your ministry is teen girls? If you’re like the majority of student ministers we meet, the answer is well over half. And do you know what those ministries need? Women. We need their giftings, their leadership, and their hearts for your ministry.
Their giftings
What gifts do you lack? Where do you feel insufficient on your own? What gifts do your students need to see? Now, look at the women serving in your ministries and provide opportunities for them to use their giftings. Mercy. Hospitality. Encouragement. Leadership. Watch how God is working among these leaders so they can contribute to the kingdom growth among your teens.
“Watch how God is working among your leaders so they can contribute to the kingdom growth among your teens.” — Amanda Mejias Share on XTheir leadership
Thank the Lord His kingdom is made up of both brothers and sisters. You don’t have to do ministry alone. Invite others to offer their unique insight and input on curriculum, activities, events, and more.
Also, teen girls need to see how godly women lead both inside and outside the church. What a gift for girls to not have to go to social media to find godly female influences but instead find them right inside your church walls.
Their hearts
Have you ever met a mom or grandmother who prays for her daughters? They’re some of the most passionate, God-fearing people I’ve ever met. And spoiler alert: Those are likely the kind of women you have serving in your student ministry—women who love God with all of their hearts, souls, and minds.
How beautiful of God to give you women who can love, encourage, and pray for you, your family, and your teens. It’s a gift to have brothers and sisters in Christ to serve alongside, so make sure to find every chance to not just champion what they do but to celebrate who they are.
If anyone hasn’t thanked you for loving and caring for these volunteers, let me be the first.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
