missions
Don’t Just Settle for Youth Ministry. Embrace It.
By Karsten Harrison at The Gospel Coalition
· June 16, 2026
· 5 min read
“What’s next after youth ministry for you?” “How long do you plan to serve in this role?” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?” I’ve been asked those questions many times over the past year, ever since I began my first full-time pastoral role overseeing youth ministry. These questions are
Key takeaway ” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?
Why this matters
The brief tenure of youth pastors, averaging only two years, raises concerns about the long-term impact of their ministry. With discipleship and theological knowledge requiring time and commitment, the high turnover rate in youth ministry can hinder the slow, formative growth that young people need. Local churches need youth pastors who can provide stability and consistency, allowing them to build strong relationships with young people and guide them in their spiritual development over an extended period. The discrepancy between the tenure of youth pastors and lead pastors in evangelical congregations suggests that youth ministry may be undervalued or seen as a stepping stone to other roles. However, embracing youth ministry as a long-term calling can have a profound impact on the lives of young people, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and become committed disciples of Christ.
About this story
Original reporting by The Gospel Coalition . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit The Gospel Coalition . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: missions ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: The Gospel Coalition ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? “What’s next after youth ministry for you?” “How long do you plan to serve in this role?” “Do you think you’ll still like it in 10 years?” I’ve been asked those questions many times over the past year, ever since I began my first full-time pastoral role overseeing youth ministry. These questions are
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by The Gospel Coalition and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Karsten Harrison at The Gospel Coalition. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .