What Makes a Great Student Minister? 5 Non-Negotiables
There are many important qualities a student minister should possess to thrive in their role. While the list could be long, here are five essential qualifications that every student minister must have to be an effective and faithful leader.
1. Able to Teach the Bible
Teaching Scripture is non-negotiable in student ministry. A student minister doesn’t need to be a dynamic preacher, but they must be able to clearly and accurately communicate biblical truth. The heart of the role is helping students understand and apply God’s Word.
2. Able to Commit Time to Students
You can’t call yourself a student minister if you’re never around students. It just doesn’t work. I often tell pastors, “Shepherds ought to smell like their sheep”—and that means spending real, consistent time with them. Sure, no one wants to smell like a 7th-grade boy, but you get the point. Presence matters.
3. Able to Be an Adult
Far too often, this role is filled by someone who is still functionally a teenager. Being a student minister should not be a way to delay adulthood. Students need to see someone who models responsibility, maturity, and a God-honoring lifestyle. They need a grown-up worth looking up to.
4. Able to Train Adults
For a student ministry to outlast the student minister, it must be built on a foundation of trained and empowered adult leaders. A quality student minister understands the importance of multiplying themselves by raising up other leaders. While they may want to personally invest in every student, it’s far more effective to equip a team of adults to do the same.
5. Able to Equip Parents
Discipleship starts at home. Even if the student minister doesn’t yet have teenagers of their own, they still play a vital role in supporting and equipping parents. Helping parents disciple their children is not optional—it’s a key part of sustainable, effective student ministry.
Look for these qualities when evaluating or hiring student ministers. And if your current student minister is missing one of these areas, look for ways to encourage and help them grow. Leadership development is always worth the investment.
