Youth Minister Olympics

Surprise, surprise, I'm watching a minor sporting event emanating from the Mother Country.
I wonder, if youth ministry was an Olympic event, how would the gold medal be decided?

In the past I've mentioned that I've applied for youth ministry positions and "come off second best."

I know of at least one occasion where it was down to two candidates and I "didn't get the gig."

So, what would you need to do to waltz away with the gold medal in youth ministry? Would there be any training which would help?

Obviously, there are some youth ministers (and family, children's and senior ministers) who are "better" than others. They are more skilled. They have more experience. They have cultivated a greater connection to those they are called to serve. They produce better resources. They have a more intense passion for what they do. They are a superior speaker.

To get better you can read unending books and blogs. You can attend conferences, seminars and courses. You can pick the minds of those with more experience. You can purposely reflect on what you do. You can become familiar with management, leadership and communication theory.

But ultimately, the judgement should only come down to one thing...
An individuals faithful response to the call of God in their life (are they living in obedience and stepping out in faith?).

For this, God says He will give a reward.