Student Ministry Consulting for pastors and search teams
I am not sure who coined the phrase “timing is everything,” but it holds true for bringing on any new ministers to a church staff. One of the greatest mistakes a church can make in finding a new Student Pastor is rushing to fill the position. To begin searching for a Student Pastor without evaluating the present Student Ministry may bring about some difficult situations for the new Student Pastor, students, parents, and present staff. A Consultant can facilitate a smoother transition between the new Student Pastor, and the church staff and members. Below are some reasons a church may want to consider a Student Ministry Consultant.
A time of Healing:
This ministry is designed to help students and adults heal through the transition that occurs when a Student Pastor leaves for another church or changes careers. Seasons of transition often bring emotions such as grief, anger, disappointment, confusion, or shock—especially when the departure was unexpected or difficult. Even when many are not personally affected, there are always individuals who carry unresolved hurt and uncertainty into the next season.
The consultant provides an objective, outside perspective to help identify and address these challenges in a healthy and constructive way. From the outset, all involved will understand that the consultant’s role is to encourage, equip, and motivate the entire church body through the transition process.
Serving as a trusted guide, the consultant offers pastoral care and counsel to students, parents, staff, councils, and committees—helping bring clarity, healing, and unity as the ministry moves forward.A time of anticipation:
To hire a Student Pastor too soon may be to the new Student Pastor’s detriment. Unfortunately, most people fall into the “comparison game,” (especially adolescents). At times, the new Student Pastor can never measure up to the previous; or it could be that there were problems with the last Student Pastor. Whatever the situation, time allows the students and adults to begin to have the frame of mind of being “ready” and “eager” for a new person to take over, thus building momentum for a new ministry.
A time of Communication:
When a Student Pastor leaves a church, a wide range of questions, comments, concerns, and even complaints naturally emerge. Who will provide leadership in the interim? How will the search for a new pastor be conducted? Who will oversee discipleship and lead Wednesday and Sunday night ministries? Should the Associate be hired? Will the position be full-time or part-time?
Engaging a consultant creates the necessary space for these important questions to be asked, processed, and answered thoughtfully. Rather than rushing decisions, the church is given time to pray, evaluate, and discern the best path forward—ensuring that leadership decisions are made with clarity, unity, and long-term health in mind.
A time to Evaluate & Consider all Options:
In many cases, a departing Student Pastor leaves behind one or more Associates who continue to serve faithfully in the Student Ministry. Important questions must then be addressed: Does the Associate desire the position? Is the Associate equipped to lead through a season of transition? Is the church at a stage of growth that requires dividing responsibilities—such as appointing separate Junior High and High School ministers—or is it more appropriate to combine the ministry under one Student Pastor? Should the next Student Pastor be given the freedom to hire his own staff?
With so many variables, decisions can quickly feel overwhelming. Engaging a consultant allows the church to slow the process, create healthy boundaries, and make wise, unrushed decisions. Associates, members, students, and volunteers will clearly understand that the consultant is providing direction during the interim, ensuring stability while maintaining the integrity of existing Associate positions.
Too often, churches feel obligated to place full interim leadership responsibility on an Associate. While this may seem practical, it can unintentionally create long-term challenges. The longer an Associate functions as the primary leader, the more difficult it may be for a newly hired Student Pastor to step into leadership. As creatures of habit, change can be challenging for all involved. A consultant helps prevent unhealthy dynamics while also ensuring fairness—clarifying that any Associate who desires the position will participate in the same evaluation and selection process as all other candidates.
During this time, the consultant will also lead a thorough evaluation of the current Student Ministry. Is the ministry grounded in a strong, biblical philosophy, or is it unbalanced and overly focused on one area? How does student attendance compare to the overall attendance of the church? Are space limitations hindering growth? Are current programs effective and relevant in reaching today’s ever-changing youth culture?
Through objective assessment and practical research, these questions can be answered clearly—allowing the church to move forward with confidence, unity, and a healthier foundation for the future of its Student Minist
A Time to Prepare:
During the transition time, a consultant will have the opportunity to meet with staff, councils, committees, parents, Sunday school leaders and students. These meetings will allow time for problems to be corrected, leaders to be trained, students to be encouraged, and plans to be made. The consultant can make recommendations that will help prepare the way for the new Student Pastor. He can help Associate(s) understand the transition process and the support they must give to the new Student Pastor. Through teaching, and training, he can also help students, parents, and volunteers understand the importance of supporting the individual that God will call to be their next Student Pastor.