ian has linked to the uk’s national occupational standards for youth ministry. it’s a pretty cool document, way long, but as far as training and putting language to job descriptions, goal settings (outcomes & behaviors), and other organizational pieces it’s a pretty solid looking resource.

download  the professional_and_national_occupational_standards_for_youth_work.pdf

one of the things i hate about being a youth minister is money. the whole caterer/event planner/travel agent/bank loaner that comes along with the job takes a lot of effort for me. so, this idea from steve case & the journal for student ministries speaks to me as a no brainer.

Burger Debits
by Steve Case

Many banks now offer debit cards with specific dollar limits. When you plan your next youth budget, consider putting in a line item for a debit card. Keep this in your wallet and use if for all those occasions when Johnny forgets to bring his wallet on the outing.

All youth leaders have dipped into their own pockets at one time or another for a student, but 50 or 60 burgers a year (or lattes or whatever) can start to add up. The burger debit card can help keep you from going broke, and it provides a record to your financial committee regarding how expensive it is to deal with “forgetful” youth.

Also, sometimes there will be students who don’t have the funds to stop for the frappa-dappa-chino, and they order ice water instead. The burger debit card can also serve as a way to help kids from feeling embarrassed when the rest of the table orders something fancy.

our church does have a credit card i could request use of, but i choose not too. the same reason i don’t ask for keys, i don’t want the responsibility of keeping up with more than i need.