How To Become A Youth Ministry Director: What It Is and Career Path

What is a youth ministry director and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Youth ministry directors are charged with the responsibility of ministering to youth and children in order to help them develop their faith. They typically work with children and teenagers who are in grades 7-12 in order to foster their spiritual growth.

They do this by encouraging them to worship, implementing youth ministry programs, organizing Bible studies and vacation Bible schools, providing Bible lessons, and encouraging them to do volunteer work. Their ultimate objective is to lead youth and children to have a deep relationship with Christ.

Youth ministry directors often collaborate with parents, church leaders, and volunteers so as to execute their mandate efficiently. In order to succeed in their role, youth ministry directors should be passionate about sharing the gospel. They should also have excellent communication skills, strong leadership skills, high energy, and the ability to inspire others into spiritual growth.

The role of a youth ministry director has flexible working hours. Even though they typically work 40 hours a week, they may be required to work late evenings and weekends.

ScoreYouth Ministry DirectorUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,203

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 2.73%

Black or African American 6.95%

Hispanic or Latino 10.07%

Unknown 3.55%

White 76.39%

Gender

female 45.98%

male 54.02%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress level

7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a youth ministry director

Explore youth ministry director education requirements

Most common youth ministry director degrees

Bachelor's

70.6 %

Master's

14.5 %

Associate

9.6 %

Start to develop specific youth ministry director skills

Skills	Percentages
Community Outreach	14.85%
Bible Studies	6.60%
Event Planning	6.35%
GOD	6.29%
Outreach Events	6.18%

Research youth ministry director duties and responsibilities

Establish and lead weekly bible study.
Lead and supervise all youth ministry activities including; Sunday school, UMYF, Jr. High/Sr.
Organize and lead weekly youth group meetings as well as retreats for jr. and sr. high students.
Schedule prayer and group meetings.

Get youth ministry director experience

Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a youth ministry director. The most common roles before becoming a youth ministry director include internship, volunteer team lead and sales associate.

Prepare your youth ministry director resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your youth ministry director resume.

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