KidCheck Secure Children's and Youth Check-In Shares a Guest Post from Jody Livingston, 7 Lessons from 25+ Years of Student Ministry.

This week, we are featuring a guest post from Jody Livingston, author of the book “Staying Power.” Jody has been in student ministry for over 25 years. Today, he focuses his time on podcasting and blogging for The Long Haul, writing books, serving as a Youth Ministry Coach, and being a Student Pastor at High Desert Church. Jody is passionate about equipping and encouraging youth pastors to stay the course and create a ministry of longevity they genuinely love.

In the post, Jody shares the lessons he learned that didn’t come from books or podcasts but from his mistakes, mentors, and the grace of God over the years.

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When I started in student ministry, my “strategic plan” was basically pizza, dodgeball, and staying awake long enough to drive the church van home after camp.

Fast forward 25+ years, and while pizza is still a viable ministry tool (unless it is gluten free…no one wants that), I’ve picked up a few lessons that have lasted longer than the glow sticks from the lock-in.

If I could go back and talk to my younger youth pastor self, here’s what I’d say:

  1. Who you are off stage matters more than what you do on stage.
    Students can spot fake faster than you can say “youth group selfie.” If your private life doesn’t match your public ministry, they’ll notice. Lead from authenticity, not performance.
  2. Longevity beats hype.
    Big events and killer stage moments are fun, but nothing builds trust like just being there year after year. Students remember who showed up, not who was the coolest.
  3. Don’t do ministry alone.
    Volunteers aren’t “extra help,” they’re essential. Train them, empower them, and let them lead. You can’t and won’t relate to every student. Having a crew of volunteers running alongside helps share the load and burden and helps make sure every student connects with an adult who loves them.
  4. Parents are not the enemy.
    They might not get your youth ministry jokes, but no one in or around your ministry cares more about your students than their parents. Partner with them. Encourage and cheer them on. You’re not competing with them; you’re on the same team.
  5. Small moments matter most.
    The mountaintop moments at camp are awesome, but so are the random Taco Bell runs, parking lot conversations, handwritten notes, and texts that say, “Praying for you today.” Those carry more weight than you can even imagine.
  6. Inspire, don’t just inform.
    Students don’t just need information; they need to see what it looks like lived out. Paint a picture of a life with Jesus that’s compelling, not just correct.
  7. Stay teachable.
    Methods change, culture shifts, TikTok trends come and go (can I get an amen?). Keep learning. Borrow ideas. Don’t get stuck in 2013—skinny jeans included.

These lessons didn’t come from books or podcasts (though I love a good youth ministry book and podcast); they came from mistakes, mentors, and the grace of God over years of running at this calling of youth ministry.

Whether you’ve been serving two years or twenty, remember: faithfulness beats flash. Keep showing up. Keep growing. Keep loving students like Jesus does. And maybe, just maybe… skip the lock-ins.

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Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash