The 7th essential to getting hired as a youth pastor is probably the most significant (second only to prayer) - Network like nobody else.
Think of it this way, you could have the most amazing resume, personal website (with a great preaching video), double the experience of all the other candidates, and an excellent phone interview... It's all pretty meaningless without networking. Nine times out of ten, churches will hire the candidate with whom they have some type of networking connection, as opposed to hiring the candidate who's resume boasts greater experience, education or credentials.
As the old axiom states, "It's not what you know, but rather who you know, that gets you the job."
Here's a quick list of networking tips that are sure to help advance you in the process of finding your next ministry.
1. Start with your current network of ministry contacts.
Get in touch with everyone you know in ministry. You never know who is connected to someone who is at the right church that happens to be looking for a new student pastor. Work your network and let your network work for you.
2. Try expanding your current network.
If you have a relatively small network of ministry contacts, there is no time like the present to begin expanding that network through building new friendships and relationships in ministry. Attend local youth pastors network meetings, connect with other youth pastors at an annual conference, or even find a seasoned-ministry veteran who can mentor you in ministry.
3. Join a coaching network.
This is more of a nationwide approach to networking as opposed to a regional or local approach (like your city's monthly youth pastor lunch). You can pay to be involved in a number of coaching networks (like Jeanne Mayo's Cadre). There are a number of FREE options out there as well - check out Youth Ministry Coaching Network or Youth Communicator's Cohort.
4. Network with those involved in ministry at your top-choice church.
After my wife and I had moved across the country, I made the decision to intentionally reach out to the Senior Pastor of the mega-church where I felt like God wanted me in ministry. Over lunch, I explained that although we were new to the area, we were very familiar with the church through relatives who attended there. In sincerity, I asked how we could best serve the church as volunteers in their biggest area of need (youth, worship, small groups, whatever). Within a few weeks, he put me in contact with the head of their student department (they knew there was a recent vacancy) and I interviewed for the position and was hired.
It never hurts to reach out and build relationships.
What if I'm just graduating from college and don't have any ministry contacts?
You certainly know your professors, campus pastor, as well as all of the friends you made while you were in college. Don't be afraid to leverage your college's Ministry Search List or alumni relationships department.
Above all else, NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
