The Boy Scouts of America say it best... "Be Prepared."
As you prepare to interview for a prospective student ministry position, be sure that you know as much as possible the church and position for which you are applying. Here are a few unique ways you can investigate:
1. Check out the church's website.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? You would be surprised how few youth ministry candidates fail to learn things that are available to the general public via the world wide web.
2. Check out the student ministry's website.
Take it a step further and learn as much as you can about the student ministry calendar. What kind of events do the students participate in on an annual basis? When does the weekly youth group happen? What are the names of the volunteers? If the youth group has a facebook page, read as much as you can to try to learn as much as you can.
3. Talk with the current/former pastor who has led the student ministry.
If you can personally connect with individuals currently involved in leading the student ministry, you can gather all sorts of helpful information in understanding both the culture and history of the church and of the student ministry. However, be cautious as you connect with former leaders... if there was a termination involved they may hold some bitterness.
4. Discover as much as you can about the main aspects of the student ministry:
Small groups
Worship culture
Friendliness/Hospitality of students
Annual Events
Ministry philosophy
Volunteers
Anything that you can't find out during your investigation will become a question that you can ask during your interview in step #9 - Turn the Tables.
PREVIOUS POSTS:
#7 Network Like Nobody Else
#6 Ask Before You Apply
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