6 Mistakes A Youth Leader Must Never Make

Let's face it. Youth Leaders can make some pretty dumb decisions. Dumb decisions, in a lot of ways, is precisely why most senior pastors see the youth pastor/leader role as a liability verses an asset. The way I am percieved after 12 years at the same church is much different than the way I was looked at in the 1st 5 years. Why? Simply because I stopped making mistakes that could potentially undermine the entire organization. Some mistakes are fairly easy to forgive and excuse, while others can absolutely turn your ministry up-side down. The following are mistakes to stay away from, forever!!
1) Never counsel the opposite sex privately. It could be your word against theirs. Pick a place that is wide open, so you can easily be interupted.
2) Never lie to protect your ministry or reputation. The truth finds a way out. It's better to do something dumb and "man up" then to do something even more dumb by lying about it or blame shifting.
3) Never cause division in your church, even if you think you’re right. This is a biggie! Your opinion matters to a lot of people. That's why you are in leadership. However, be very aware of the fact that people will warp your words to fit their agenda when they communicate it to others. It's human nature.
4) Never challenge or rebuke your Pastor publicly or privately. Maintain a humble and teachable heart. It's okay to challenge the process. But NEVER challenge the LEADER. You won't last long. Oh, and by the way, consider that he/she may actually know a little more than you do. Just because you don't agree, doesn't mean you're right!!
5) Never make money your primary factor in decision making. It will cost you your character and your future. Money follows ministry, not the other way around.
6) Never compromise your standards and qualifications for your leadership team. It will come back and bite you soon enough. I've heard it said, "It's better to have some body than nobody." That's just stupid!! Coming from experience, It's better to count on noone than to have someone you can't count on. People like being a part of something that's making a difference. Most of the time, the difference making positions are ones you have to get hired on to and could be fired from!! Have high expectations. It brings the best up to the challenge.

Hope i helped!!
pg