Water? Check.
Batteries? Check.
Candles? Check.
Non-Perishable Food Supply? Check.
Whether it be “Storm Watch 2017” or preparing for “The Big Earthquake” we all know the importance of being prepared ahead of time. If the storm/calamity hits, you will be thankful that you were ready. You’ll only regret not doing it if the need arises and you’re not adequately supplied.
Similarly, as a Youth Pastor/Director, the best time for you to prepare for what’s next is when there actually is no need at all!
Prepare For The Next Position While You’re Happy In Your Current Role
A change in the economy, church leadership, calling or being presented a fantastic new challenge (among many other reasons) may be “the big one” in the life of a Youth Pastor— being prepared in some specific ways before you need to be will help propel you to what’s next.
As the Director of YS Search, I deal with scores of churches who are looking for new personnel (most commonly Youth Pastors, but also Children’s, Family, Worship, and other roles.). Though there are certainly more, I can say there are three essential ways a person can prepare for a future opportunity before they even know an opportunity is out there.
1. Have A Teaching Video
About 25% of the applicants I interview have a video of their teaching, yet nearly 100% of the churches I do placements for require it (though some will settle for audio).
Before you NEED to capture a video (because you’ve thrown your name in the hat elsewhere) or before it’s TOO LATE to capture video (because you’ve resigned or been let go) you should prioritize capturing some film.
As a general practice, I believe it is essential that a youth pastor video him/herself in order to self-assess teaching, style, and presentation. Capturing video of yourself when you’re not looking for a job is the best time to do it— you’re the most relaxed, you are teaching/shepherding “your” group and your motivation for capture is truly to improve your skills.
2. Keep Your Resume Updated
Keeping the most pertinent and up-to-date information on your resume will help you if the need ever does arise. Instead of creating a resume out of need (looking to prove your worth) spend a little time each year around the new year updating it (graphically, copy, etc.). Here is a link to a previous blog post I wrote where I talk about specifics of resume writing.
Take A Personality Assessment
I’m an “ENTJ,” “Strategic,” a “high D” and an “Advance” person. Though these may mean nothing to you, these are samples of results from personality assessments I have taken. Not only were these assessments great for my own self-awareness, these have given me language to better explain who I am and given me insights into my motivations, strengths, and possible blind spots.
An assessment does not define you (put you in a box), but it may help you (or a current/future employer) better understand some of what makes you tick and I believe it is a great tool to have to help you improve in your current role or an asset to use when discovering whether a future opportunity is a good fit. On a personal note, my favorites have been Strengths Finder and MCore.
Capturing video, keeping your resume updated and learning valuable insights through personality assessments will only help to improve your current status, but could very easily pay future dividends when a new opportunity presents itself!
BRIAN AABY is the director of YS SEARCH & YS COACHING, assisting churches with personnel placement and provides coaching guidance for youth leaders. Brian served for 17 years as a youth pastor and then founded and led Youthmark since 2008. Brian speaks nationally at churches, camps, conference, and events. He and his wife, Elisabeth, have three children and reside near Seattle.
This post was previously published by brianaaby.com.
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