Because female students significantly outnumber male students within the ministry, having a female support staff worker is vital. This role provides appropriate relational support, accountability, and mentorship, ensuring students feel safe, understood, and properly cared for while strengthening the overall effectiveness of the ministry.
I have proposed a need to our leadership for a NexGen support worker with an annual budget of $7,000, based on a bi-weekly stipend of $292 and an estimated workload of 15–20 hours per week. At 26 pay periods per year, the total annual compensation equals $7,592, which has been rounded down for budgeting purposes. Based on an average of 17.5 hours per week, this equates to an approximate hourly rate of $8.34. The worker would be available on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesday nights, with a schedule that includes Sunday mornings (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), Monday evenings (7:00–10:00 p.m.), Wednesday evenings (6:00–9:00 p.m.), and an additional 7–12 flexible office hours per week. Primary responsibilities would include managing ministry social media, creating graphics for events and announcements, attending all scheduled programming to assist with logistics and student support, handling purchasing of ministry supplies, and managing communication between ministry leaders, students, and parents.
As part of an ongoing effort to help our ministry run more smoothly, I am working to streamline tasks and improve overall workflow so we can reduce unnecessary stress and better focus on serving students and families. One of the changes we are hoping to make involves improving how our technology is set up in the upstairs youth room.
Currently, I have to move my office computer back and forth between my office, the upstairs youth room, and occasionally home in order to complete ministry work. While I am planning to delegate someone to arrive early and help prepare the space before services, this is difficult to do effectively without a dedicated computer permanently stationed in the youth room. There have been multiple occasions when meetings, mentoring, prayer with students, or transportation needs have prevented early setup, which has led to delays, technical issues, or equipment not being ready when services begin. In addition, the constant moving of equipment increases the risk of wear and malfunction.
To help address this and improve the overall flow of ministry programming, I have requested from our church leadership the purchase of a dedicated computer and necessary components for the upstairs youth room be included in the budget. This adjustment would allow for more consistent preparation, smoother services, and fewer last-minute challenges, ultimately helping our ministry operate more efficiently and effectively.
As part of our ongoing effort to improve the flow and effectiveness of ministry, I also want to share a growing need for additional bus drivers. Currently, I am personally responsible for picking up and dropping off students six to seven times each week. While I am grateful to be able to help meet this need, the frequency has begun to create challenges in maintaining healthy ministry rhythms.
In particular, the demand to leave immediately after services and events in order to get students home on time has, at times, limited my ability to stay and provide additional prayer, follow-up conversations, and spiritual support for students who may need it most after services, programs, or special events. These moments are often some of the most important ministry opportunities, and rushing away can unintentionally hinder that support.
To help address this, I am actively pursuing additional volunteers who would be willing to serve as bus drivers—whether that commitment looks like once a week, once a month, or even occasionally. Any level of involvement would be a tremendous help in sharing the load, creating margin for deeper ministry, and ensuring students are cared for both spiritually and practically.
Over the past two years, several of our college students have taken significant steps in their faith and leadership growth. Beginning this spring, those who have chosen to be part of our NexGen Leadership Ministry will also begin serving in key areas of the ministry. These roles will include media, small groups, and other areas where their gifts and strengths stand out. As they serve, these students will be easily identifiable by their NexGen serving shirts, helping create a visible, engaged leadership presence that supports our ministry and models faithful service for younger students.
Each week, I have been responsible for the day to day operation of the ministry van, including coordinating transportation, driving routes, and ensuring students are picked up and dropped off safely. In addition to these responsibilities, I also manage routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning the van, refueling, and making sure it is ready for the next ministry event. While these tasks are necessary, the cumulative time and energy required to manage them consistently places additional strain on the role of the NexGen Pastor.
As the ministry continues to grow, it is increasingly important for the NexGen Pastor role to remain focused on core pastoral responsibilities such as discipleship, mentoring students, prayer, leadership development, family communication, and overall ministry planning. When significant time is devoted to operational and maintenance tasks, it reduces the margin needed for relational ministry, particularly the moments before and after services and events when students often need extra support, guidance, or prayer.
To help create a healthier and more sustainable workflow, I am actively working with our operations team to explore having them assist with routine van maintenance, including cleaning and refueling, on a biweekly basis. This shared approach would ensure the van is consistently cared for while allowing the NexGen Pastor role to better steward time toward spiritual leadership and direct student engagement. Ultimately, this adjustment supports both the practical needs of transportation and the deeper mission of the NexGen ministry by enabling the pastor to remain present and available where it matters most.
To help avoid last minute planning and address issues related to insufficient food or inconsistent quality, we have developed a structured meal schedule for our Wednesday night family meals and Monday night college night gatherings. Having a clear schedule in place is important because it allows for better preparation, reduces stress on volunteers and staff, and ensures that meals are consistently available and enjoyable for all participants.
Consistently planned meals also help foster a welcoming and hospitable environment where students and families can focus on fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth rather than worrying about whether food will be ready or sufficient. Additionally, this approach allows us to coordinate more effectively with food providers, manage dietary needs, and reduce waste. By planning ahead, we can make sure that meals are not only timely but also nutritious and appealing, enhancing the overall experience of our ministry gatherings. Ultimately, this meal schedule supports the smooth operation of our programs, strengthens community, and allows ministry leaders to devote more energy to relational and spiritual aspects of their work rather than logistical challenges.
Our adult volunteers are the most important and valued group of kingdom servants within our NexGen ministry. Over the past year, our ministry has faced some obstacles that at times caused tension within our organization. In order to maintain unity and ensure everyone feels supported, we will resume our monthly volunteer meetings on the last Sunday of each month, now with a clear agenda and structure. These meetings are designed to help our volunteers feel loved, appreciated, heard, and supported.
Meeting Itinerary: As our volunteer team has grown from just one to now seven, it is important that any concerns or issues are first brought to Pastor Vernon prior to the larger group planning sessions. This will help establish clear goals and ensure that discussions are focused and productive.
Budget Updates: During each meeting, we will provide transparent updates on how budgeted funds are being used. In the past, financial reporting did not always give a clear picture, but with improved account structures and bookkeeping strategies from our church-wide ministry, volunteers will now be able to see firsthand where resources are going and how they are being stewarded.
Volunteer Appreciation: We will continue our monthly volunteer appreciation gatherings, where we share a meal and fellowship together. Special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays will also be recognized during these events, celebrating the dedication and service of our team.
Volunteer Support: When volunteers are in need, we will provide a clear process for support through our outreach ministry, ensuring that anyone serving our ministry has access to care and encouragement.
God has grown our ministry quickly, and like the lesson we see in the story of Adam and Eve, we must remain focused and guard our hearts so that division does not take root. So with intentional structure, clear communication, and a focus on love and support, we will build and grow our volunteer ministry stronger than ever before, trusting that God is up to something big in and through our team.