missions
Don’t Just Settle for Youth Ministry. Embrace It.
By Karsten Harrison at The Gospel Coalition
· June 16, 2026
· 5 min read
“What’s next after youth ministry for you?” “How long do you plan to serve in this role?” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?” I’ve been asked those questions many times over the past year, ever since I began my first full-time pastoral role overseeing youth ministry. These questions are
Key takeaway ” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?
Why this matters
The brief tenure of youth pastors, averaging only two years, has significant implications for the long-term discipleship of young people. As local churches strive to provide stable and effective ministry, the high turnover rate of youth pastors poses a challenge. The importance of longevity in youth ministry cannot be overstated, as it allows for the slow and formative growth that is essential for discipleship. With a long-haul vision, youth pastors can provide consistent guidance and mentorship, helping young people to develop a deeper understanding of their faith. Furthermore, the commitment of youth pastors to their role can also impact the overall health and stability of the local church, as they play a critical role in shaping the next generation of leaders. By embracing youth ministry as a vital and long-term calling, churches can work to reverse the trend of short tenures and provide a more stable foundation for discipleship and growth.
About this story
Original reporting by The Gospel Coalition . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit The Gospel Coalition . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: missions ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: The Gospel Coalition ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? “What’s next after youth ministry for you?” “How long do you plan to serve in this role?” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?” I’ve been asked those questions many times over the past year, ever since I began my first full-time pastoral role overseeing youth ministry. These questions are
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by The Gospel Coalition and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Karsten Harrison at The Gospel Coalition. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .