Why Youth Ministers Quit and How to Stay: Staying Power w/ Jody Livingston
Have you ever wondered why it seems so many youth ministers quit or leave around the three-year mark?
In this candid conversation with longtime youth ministry veteran and author Jody Livingston, we talk the secret to youth ministry longevity.
It's 2 old friends with personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical insights that are meant to encourage youth ministers young and old. Fresh and wizened.
In Staying Power, Jody Livingston shares his journey of ministry longevity through the lens of his passion for Volkswagen buses and how he navigated challenging seasons to build a sustainable youth ministry career.
Grab a copy of Staying Power by Jody here.
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/staying-power-P005850004
Key Points From This Interview
• Personal connection between father-son relationship and Volkswagen obsession
• The critical "2.5-3 year mark" where most youth ministers face their greatest challenges
• How unrealistic or unclear expectations from various church stakeholders create friction
• The importance of defining and communicating your own metrics for ministry success
• Navigating seasons where visible ministry fruit seems absent
• Recognizing burnout warning signs in yourself and ministry colleagues
• Finding authentic community and friendship despite the isolating nature of ministry
• Implementing intentional rest rather than merely "vegging out" on days off
• Practical approaches to sustaining your calling when ministry gets difficult
Remember your calling is in this time, to a place, and this next generation, now. When things get hard, lean into the why behind your ministry rather than focusing solely on results or metrics.