Tonight I had the privilege of helping a young youth minister improve his interviewing skills. One of the many things which made him interesting was he walked onto the soccer team as a freshman in college and earned a scholarship.
As I asked him about this experience, he explained the lessons he learned playing soccer and how they applied to his ministry context.
In honor of the 11 positions on the soccer field, the following are 11 Things I Learned About Soccer And Ministry While Conducting Youth Minister Interview Training:
- The coaching staff has to learn to manage different personalities. The same applies in ministry.
- The coaching staff has to learn to manage different skill sets. A good youth minister recognizes the talents and spiritual giftedness of the students and volunteers.
- The coaching staff has to know how every position on the field operates. A good youth minister has a firm grasp and the culture and everything going on in the youth department.
- In soccer, the positions must complement one another. In the church, we are one body with many different parts.
- You always have to be moving in soccer. Ministry is never stagnant. The Gospel is always advancing and taking new ground. So are the youth ministers.
- The coach is on the sidelines. The captains and leaders manage the personalities on the field. When young people go off to their individual schools, the youth pastor/coach will not be on the proverbial field. You need young people who are Christian leaders in their individual schools.
- In soccer, you have to have the proper equipment to be successful. Successful Christians dress in the armor of God.
- Successful soccer players think two or three moves ahead. They are strategic. The best soccer players also know when not to take the shot. Similarly, good youth pastors are always thinking ahead.
- In soccer, you must be willing to take chances. The best youth ministers think outside the box and do everything possible to reach young people for Christ.
- Creativity. The best soccer players and youth ministers find new and creative solutions to age-old problems.
- It is easy to forget the coach because he’s on the sidelines. The captain is in your face on the field. It is easy to forget the youth minister when you are at school.
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