Your personal invitation has power! Whether you are sharing the Gospel, recruiting volunteers, or inviting youth leaders to join the Lead Community, your story makes a difference. Invite God into the process and see what he does. As the power of His Spirit works together with the power of your invitation, use that energy to propel the mission forward.
1.SHARE YOUR FAITH STORY
When’s the last time you shared your personal salvation faith story with students?
Stories are powerful, and your faith story can make a huge impact on your students. If it’s been a while, take some time to revisit your salvation journey and recraft a clear message of how Jesus has changed your life. Let your students see your heart for Christ and why you’re passionate about reaching them and their friends. Invite your students again to put their faith in Jesus and remind them to share their own faith story.
LONGEVITY TIP: Sharing your own faith story can be a catalyst for student evangelism and a good reminder to yourself of why you got into youth ministry in the first place.
RESOURCE: Check out this article on STUDENT EVANGELISM
2.SHARE YOUR MINISTRY STORY
When’s the last time you shared your vision for youth ministry with a potential volunteer?
A compelling vision is contagious and sharing the wins of your ministry can be a great way to recruit new volunteers. If you can help people see how your vision for reaching students for Christ and helping them grow is having an impact, it may ignite something within them to join you and your team. Food, pictures, videos, and stories can also help paint the picture of the impact of your ministry and the power of a changed life. Take some time to revisit your youth ministry vision, mission, and values. If it’s not compelling and clear, rework it & recraft it into a memorable and powerful driving force for your ministry. Then ADD the story of WHY you got into youth ministry and let them see your passion for teenagers.
RECRUITING TIP: Invite some potential volunteers to a stand-up dessert reception after church. Then, have one of your best volunteers share why they serve in the youth ministry and the impact they have seen in students’ lives.
RESOURCE: Check out the article on VISION & MISSION
3.SHARE YOUR COACHING STORY
When’s the last time you shared your coaching story and the value of mentoring with another youth leader or youth pastor?
I grew up playing sports and had some great coaches who invested in me as a player. Coach Ice was one of them. He was a BIG offensive-line coach who believed in me and helped me develop my football skills as a Tight End in high school. He was different than the other coaches because he cared about me as a person. Sports are one thing, but what about ministry?
Have you had a youth ministry coach or mentor that has poured into you and your student ministry? If so, what difference did it make having a coach? How has your experience with LEAD222 Coaching been a benefit to you? If you are a ministry coach, what value have you seen through coaching others? Take some time to think about why coaching matters and the impact that coaching has had on your life and ministry. Then find a way to share your coaching story with a friend or another youth leader. Who is someone you could invite into the Lead Coaching Community? Remember, your personal invitation is powerful, and your story could be just what someone needs to hear. Your invitation could be the catalyst to help a disconnected youth leader find connection and community.
OUTREACH TIP: Grab coffee or take a youth leader friend to lunch and share your coaching story and the impact that it has had on you.
RESOURCE: Share this MEMBERSHIP link with a youth leader.
TAKE THE LEAD222 CHALLENGE…
SHARE YOUR STORY
Who needs to hear your FAITH Story?
Who needs to hear your MINISTRY Story?
Who needs to hear your COACHING Story?
Author: Larry Ely • Posted: January 2026
Coaching Tips: LEAD222 Challenge, 9 Markers, 8 Essentials
