Ugly Truths About Youth Ministry

10. YOU can’t “save” every student.
You’re not Jesus. Stop trying. (But you will lose sleep over it anyway.)

9. Burnout is inevitable WITHOUT boundaries.
Yes, you love these kids. No, you don’t have to answer their 2 a.m. texts about “deep theology” (aka dating advice).

8. The pressure to entertain OFTEN outweighs discipleship.
Sometimes it feels like you’re competing with Netflix, TikTok, and Fortnite. Spoiler: you’re losing.

7. Parental expectations CAN be crippling.
One parent wants their kid to come home a theologian, another just wants free babysitting. Both are mad at you.

6. Relationships are messy—boundaries ARE essential.
If one more student tries to vent their life story in the church bathroom stall, you might move to another country.

5. Success LOOKS different than numbers or hype.
Forget attendance reports—sometimes the “win” is that only two chairs got broken during dodgeball.

4. You WILL question your calling.
Usually right after your all-nighter lock-in. (Seriously, why do we still do those?)

3. The pay RARELY matches the work.
You get paid in pizza, hugs, and the occasional gift card to Starbucks. Retirement plan? Ha.

2. You’re OFTEN seen as “less than” other pastors.
Because apparently planning sermons for 200 adults is “real ministry,” but herding 15 hormonal middle schoolers isn’t.

#1. Your best work won’t be recognized—BUT it matters most.
Nobody claps when you quietly pray with a student who’s struggling. But heaven does. (And that’s better than applause anyway.)