Let’s be real: being a youth pastor can feel a little lonely sometimes. Sure, you’ve got your middle schoolers who call you “bro” unironically and volunteers who text you last-minute cancelations, but what about real friends? You know, the kind you can talk to about ministry struggles without them suggesting dodgeball as the solution?

Turns out, the need for community in ministry isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a lifeline. And if you’re currently wondering, Where are all the other youth pastors hiding?, let’s dive into why finding your people matters and how to make it happen.

Burnout Is Real (And It’s Coming for You)

Let’s not sugarcoat it: ministry is hard. The statistics are out there, and they’re not pretty—lots of pastors are burning out, considering quitting, or wondering if they can list “professional snack buyer” on LinkedIn.

Burnout doesn’t just show up with a neon sign saying, Hey, you’re done! It sneaks in with red flags like:

• A fuse so short it feels like a sparkler.
• Feeling so tired you’d trade your soul for a good nap.
• Checking your email at 11:59 PM “just to see.”
• Thinking you’re the only one pulling the weight in ministry.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to hit pause.

Why Rest Isn’t Just “Nice to Have”

Let’s get this straight: rest isn’t optional. It’s biblical. Even God took a day off after creating everything. (And let’s be honest—He didn’t even have to deal with parents who think Fortnite nights are too much fun.)

But here’s the catch: rest isn’t just about collapsing on the couch in your sweatpants. True rest means doing things that actually rejuvenate you. Whether it’s taking a vacation, saying no to that extra event, or finally using your day off to recharge, it’s essential to make space for real restoration.

Advocating for Yourself (AKA Learning to Say “No”)

Here’s the deal: if you’re waiting for someone else to swoop in and set boundaries for you, you might be waiting a while. It’s up to you to say no when your plate is already overflowing and to push back when another task gets dropped in your lap.

And if your leadership isn’t modeling healthy boundaries? Be the one who starts the trend. Clear communication about your workload isn’t selfish—it’s smart. You’re not a machine, and your ministry will benefit when you’re operating at your best.

Finding Your People

Ministry can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to fight burnout is to find a community that gets you—other people who’ve been there, wrestled with it, and still showed up for youth group pizza night.

Whether it’s joining a local cohort, hopping into an online network, or just grabbing coffee with another youth pastor down the street, having a support system matters.

Because let’s be honest: your middle schoolers are great, but they’re probably not the ones you’ll turn to for advice when the senior pastor asks for a “quick” meeting.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Burnout makes you feel like you’re the only one struggling, but that’s a lie. There are people who care about you and resources ready to help you. Whether it’s a mentor, counselor, or even just a trusted friend, don’t hesitate to reach out. And no, you’re not weak for needing help—you’re human.

Let’s Get Spiritual for a Sec

Here’s the thing: burnout isn’t just about your calendar—it’s often tied to your connection with God. When was the last time you spent time in prayer, really read the Bible, or just sat in silence? Ministry isn’t supposed to replace your relationship with God, but sometimes, it sneaks in and tries. Don’t let it.

Take the First Step

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to take action. Start small: say no to one thing this week. Plan a coffee hangout with another youth pastor. Schedule time with God that doesn’t involve planning a sermon.

And if you need a little encouragement or want to hear some real talk about all of this, check out the conversation I had with Josh Boldman, Derry Prenket, and Todd Pearage [You can watch it here].

Remember, you’re not in this alone. So go find some friends—they’re probably out there wondering where you are, too.

If you’re in youth ministry, you know the grind: every week, you pour your heart and soul into studying, writing, and delivering a talk. And whether it soars or flops, one reality remains: next week’s talk is already looming.

For 16 years in ministry, I’ve lived that cycle. Some weeks, I’d feel great after a talk, only to realize… it’s over. On to the next one. Other weeks, when a talk bombed, I felt a strange relief—”Thank goodness I get a do-over!”

But lately, I’ve been thinking: what if we could extend the life of a sermon? What if the work we put in for one week could keep impacting students, parents, and small groups long after the last word is spoken?

Here are some ideas to get more mileage out of every sermon:

1. Plan Talks That Answer Students’ Biggest Questions

Youth ministry is a mission field, and your sermons are a key way to address the questions weighing on students’ hearts.

• Start by listening to your students. What questions are they asking about faith, culture, relationships, or God?
• Craft your talks to address these topics in a way that’s biblical, practical, and relatable. When students hear you speaking directly to their concerns, it creates deeper engagement and longer-lasting impact.

2. Focus on the Essentials of Faith

Some messages are timeless because they center on the core truths of Christianity.

• Build sermon series around spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and worship.
• Highlight essential Bible stories that students should know (think David and Goliath, the Good Samaritan, or the Exodus).
• Keep the Gospel front and center. The clearer students understand the Good News, the more they’ll apply it in their lives.

3. Record Your Sermon and Post It Online

Every message you give has the potential to reach far beyond the room you’re in.

• Set up a YouTube channel: Post weekly sermons and make them easy for students, parents, and even future ministry leaders to access.
• Create a playlist for each series so content stays organized and searchable.
• Include links to resources like small group questions, follow-up talks, or related Bible reading plans in your video description.

4. Create Resources for Small Groups and Families

A great sermon can spark conversation—not just in youth group, but at home and beyond.

• Write small group discussion guides that build on your message. Help students and leaders go deeper.
• Equip parents by providing follow-up questions they can ask at home. This not only reinforces the message but also strengthens family faith conversations.

5. Turn Your Manuscripts into DIY Study Guides

Your sermon is already written—why not make it a resource for students to use on their own?

• Take your notes or manuscript and format it into a study guide.
• Add discussion prompts, reflection questions, or personal challenges.
• Share it as a downloadable PDF or print copies to have on hand.

6. Build a Future Resource Library

Your sermon series can become the foundation for future small groups or events.

• Create a curriculum from your series. For example, if you preached on relationships, bundle it into a resource for small groups, retreats, or DNOW weekends.
• Your church’s future youth pastor (or even you in a few years!) will thank you for these ready-to-use resources.

7. Use Sermons to Engage Parents

Parents are eager to help their kids grow spiritually, but many don’t know where to start. Your sermon can bridge the gap.

• After preaching on a topic like mental health, send parents the video along with additional tips or related articles.
• Consider recording interviews with parents who’ve navigated similar issues and include their advice. This creates a practical, real-world resource for your church family.

8. Create a Digital Library for Long-Term Impact

Imagine having an online collection of sermons, organized by topic, where students can explore faith on their own terms.

• Your videos could answer questions like, “Why do bad things happen?” or “How do I pray?”
• Over time, this library becomes a tool not just for students, but for your entire church community.

Start Building Momentum This Week

Youth pastor, the work you do matters. Your sermons can be more than a one-week event—they can be a lasting resource for spiritual growth. With just a little extra effort, you can take the time you’ve already invested and multiply its impact.

Let’s get started this week. Which idea will you try first?

And hey, I get it. Writing lessons can be TOUGH. Why not check out Coleader? DYM has built an amazing curriculum for you to use in ministry. See if its the right fit for you!