If you’ve been in youth ministry for a while, you’ve likely faced some common frustrations. I recently polled youth pastors in the DYM Facebook group to find out what challenges they face most often, and four key themes kept popping up:

  • Parental involvement
  • Lack of attendance
  • Fundraising issues
  • Volunteers

Let’s focus on the big one: volunteers.

Here are three of the most common frustrations youth pastors experience when it comes to volunteers—and one tip to address each:

  1. Lack of Volunteers
    It’s hard to find people willing to step into ministry, but sometimes, we make it harder than it needs to be. One tip: stop asking for “volunteers” and start asking for specific help. Instead of saying, “We need more volunteers,” try something like, “We’re looking for two adults who can connect with students in small groups twice a month.” People are more likely to step up when they know exactly what’s expected of them.
  2. Commitment Issues
    Many volunteers burn out or drop out because they feel overcommitted or underprepared. One tip: create a clear timeline for service. Instead of asking for an open-ended commitment, ask people to serve for a semester or six months. This allows them to evaluate their availability without feeling trapped, and you can use these intervals to check in, train, and encourage them to continue.
  3. Maturity Concerns
    Sometimes, well-meaning adults jump in but aren’t ready to handle the challenges of youth ministry. One tip: provide consistent training and mentorship. Don’t just throw volunteers into the deep end. Offer regular opportunities for them to learn skills like leading discussions, dealing with conflict, and understanding student culture. Investing in their growth will help them feel confident and capable in their roles.

These strategies can help you build a strong, committed team to support your ministry.

What would you add to this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts and learn what’s worked for you when it comes to recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers. Let’s help each other create ministry environments where volunteers thrive!