Youth Ministry Resources - Building A Resource Library

In student ministry, you never know what youth ministry resources you will need or when you will need them. That is why I believe that it is important that you as a student pastor build a library of resources so that you are ready for any and every situation. And luckily for us, we do ministry in the day and age of the Internet and social networking so this is now easier than ever.  No longer do you have to drive to a bookstore or go to a conference. Many of the resources you need are only a click away. But even with things being easier, I still want to make sure that you have the guidance you need in order to build your library.  So here are some tips I have picked up along the way in my years of ministry that I have found to be extremely helpful.

1. Think digital. - I have nothing against the tradition resource books. But here is the thing. If something works well once there is a good chance it will work well again later on down the road. The problem is though that if you bought it in a book there is a chance you can only use it once before it is pretty much destroyed. Or at least eventually it will wear out.  But if you get your resources in a digital download format then you can quickly and easily print them off and make copies as often as you need to.

2. Don't say no. - One of the greatest resources we have as student pastors is each other.  And out of the networking we do and relationships we build, people will often offer to share some of their resources with you. Now, some of these often will not be that great. But if someone offers you a free resource, take it. It makes them feel good, it does not cost you anything, and you just never know when it might come in handy. 

3. Get organized. - As you accumulate these resources you may begin to feel like a hoarder which is understandable. But trust me, I truly believe you can never have enough of these resources stored up. But with all of this accumulation you need to get organized.  Used to you had to do this in file cabinets and bookshelves, and you may still have to to an extent.  But if you are thinking digital this is merely a process of setting up file folders and storing everything immediately in their correct folder. Then make sure you have a backup or two because we all know that technology is not perfect and I would hate for you to have to start all over again. But if you are organized and have a backup, you will always be able to have the right resources, at the right time, for the right situation. 

Again, you never know what situation you will find yourself in when doing ministry. So I encourage you to accumulate as many resources as possible so you are are ready for whatever this journey throws at you.