In the midst of a recent National ReachStudents Council meeting, a conversation arose concerning what seems to be a large number of youth workers who are either being let go from their churches or choosing to leave student ministry. It seemed difficult to put our finger on any single reason.  A few common themes arose  as we discussed what we are hearing and seeing.  Here were a few reasons that surfaced around the table that day:

 

1.  Clashing of Ministry Philosophies
There seems to be a growing clash between attractional philosophies to ministry and more incarnational or missional philosophies (or should I say theologies) of ministry. 
2.  Entitlement Generation enters Leadership
Maybe this is connected to number 1, but it seems as though some younger leaders are unbending in their ideas and expectations of what their role is and is not.  Is this the age-old clash of older and young leaders or has the entitlement generation begun to step into church leadership who may be lacking a humble and teachable spirit? 
3.  Increased Expectations
Many of the new generation of church-going parents are ones that grew up in youth ministries themselves but who do not fully understand the shifts in culture and the strength that the undertow of a post-Christian society has on their children. 
4.  Declining or Diverted Funds
The recession, of course, has some impact, but some around the table have experienced not simply a shortage of funds, but a diverting of funds to other initiatives in the church, whether that be externally focused ministries, children's ministries, worship ministries, etc.
5.  Poorly Prepared Pastors
Some around the table felt that youth pastors  coming out of Christian colleges just aren't being adequately prepared (maybe we simply forget how green we were when we stepped into our first churches). 
6.  Career vs. Calling
You don't hear many people talking about calling today. Maybe this shift is a good one which causes us to elevate the priesthood of all believers rather than simply clergy.  But if you're stepping into the pastorate, there should be some Gospel fire burning in your bones. I wonder if youth ministry has become more of a career than a calling. 

We've done no definitive research, but the group that sat around that table are men and women who love the church, are burdened for young people and who want to follow Jesus closely.  They love youth workers and appreciate those who give their lives to the spreading of the Gospel among the emerging generation.  The conversation intrigued me.  Whether you are a senior pastor, youth pastor, volunteer or parent, I'd love to hear from you.  What are you seeing and is there anything you think we can do about it?