You Don’t Have a Student Ministry Issue—You Have a Leadership Issue.

By Pastor Derwin R. Jackson Sr.

Let’s be real for a minute.

I’ve had conversations with pastors across the country- small churches, mega ministries, storefronts, and cathedrals—and the same cry keeps coming up:

“We just can’t get the youth to come.”

“They’re too distracted.”

“We don’t have the right space, the right people, or the right budget.”

But after 30+ years in this game, here’s what I’ve learned: It’s not a youth problem. It’s a leadership problem.

🧠 PAIN POINT: “No One Wants to Lead the Youth”

You know it’s true. The youth ministry role is often the last one filled. It’s like a revolving door. It’s where new leaders are sent to “cut their teeth” before moving on to the pulpit. And for real? It shows.

Here’s what’s really happening:

• We expect youth to take ministry seriously… but don’t put serious leaders over them.

• We expect growth without investment.

• We expect teens to stay engaged with surface-level, once-a-month programming.

That won’t cut it in this generation.

🔥 SOLUTION #1: Elevate the Position, Not Just the Person

If you treat youth ministry like a side gig, your youth will treat it like a joke.

Put weight behind the role. Make it known that it’s not a “starter job”—it’s a calling. Give your youth leader authority, mentorship, and accountability just like your associate pastors.

✅ Equip them with:

• Access to planning tools

• Real budgets, not leftovers

• Leadership training and coaching (not just fire drills)

  
  

🎯 SOLUTION #2: Build Systems, Not Just Services

A Wednesday night hangout is not a system. Systems bring sustainability. Services just bring crowds (and sometimes, confusion).

Here’s a simple system to start with:

1. Recruit – Identify and mentor youth who can lead peers.

2. Reach – Use creative arts, sports, and culture to open doors.

3. Retain – Offer consistent discipleship, fun, and spiritual growth.

4. Release – Train and trust them to lead before they turn 18.

💡 At DRJ Ministries, we’ve used this flow to build youth teams that lead their own Bible studies, run dance and mime ministries, and serve in the community.

📣 SOLUTION #3: Stop Waiting—Start Fishing

Jesus didn’t sit at the synagogue hoping young people walked in. He went to them. He called them while they were on boats, in trees, and in the streets.

Pastors—it's time to go fishing.

✔️ Show up at games✔️ Host pop-up events at schools✔️ Partner with local youth programs✔️ Offer real outlets for creative expression, not just lectures

You don’t need a fog machine. You need a net.

💬 Final Word: They Want to Be Seen—So See Them

This generation is gifted. Bold. Creative. Spiritually curious. But they won’t wait forever for a church that takes them seriously.

If you’re tired of wondering where the youth are—let’s build a system that brings them in, keeps them growing, and sends them out on fire.

🛠️ Want Help Building It?

I’m not just talking strategy—I’m actively building student ministries in two states through DRJ Ministries using my proven Fishing Method™. This approach is reeling in overlooked youth, activating their gifts, and raising up bold, creative leaders in cities like Augusta, GA. and Daytona Beach, FL.

Now, I want to help you do the same.

📞 Book a free 30-min consultation with me today, and let’s build something that lasts.

📍 National Support | Creative Arts | Real Results https://www.derwinjacksonministries.org/drj-consulting