The Youth Director

[Salty]

Most churches would want a dedicated married couple to direct the Youth ministry of a church.
This is probably more important now - due to "being above reproach" situations

Should a church automatically dismiss a single man as a potential youth director

Suppose a married who is a youth director - becomes a widower - should he step donw
Should the church insist he step down - or remove him

Would it be acceptable for a single man and a single women to co-direct a youth group?
(correct - I am not talking about an unmarried couple who are living together)

Other thoughts about this discussion?

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

I think it is preferred that a male youth director be married. That can help solve a lot of potential issues down the road. And it is also helpful that there be a female to work with the young women. There are just loads of things that a male would not understand and would not be able to help.

That being said, I don't think it is necessary for the two of them to be married. It may be a "nice to have" in some ways, but not necessary. Currently, our youth director's wife is involved with him and the youth, but she is not on staff. Instead, we have a female intern that fills that role. Seems to work out nicely.

 

[HatedByAll]

How many youth directors are truly dedicated youth directors? In my experience that position is often used as a stepping stone to becoming a senior pastor. But that is another topic altogether.

What is important is the faith the staff member has in God, not his marital status. If a single man is truly called by God to be in that particular position, why would we want to pick a married couple who is not?

 

[Shoostie]

Most churches would want a dedicated married couple to direct the Youth ministry of a church.
This is probably more important now - due to "being above reproach" situations

Yes, indeed!

Should a church automatically dismiss a single man as a potential youth director

I hate to say anyone should be automatically dismissed over fear of trust issues, but unless there are exceptional circumstances, no, a single man shouldn't be youth director. If he were married, then his wife died, he should be allowed to stay youth director. He has had time to prove his trustworthiness, and he's probably that much older than the youth (there's no doubt an optimal age over the youth for the youth-leader to be, too young and both sides are tempted, too old and both sides may have trouble relating).

Also, no to the single man and single woman co-directing.