Youth ministers from around the state assembled at the SYNC ’11 conference at Charleston Southern University Feb. 8-9. Sonny Holmes, pastor at Northwood Baptist Church in North Charleston and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, launched the conference from the pastor’s point of view.

Holmes

As a seasoned minister, Holmes spoke of his experience with youth ministers who have contributed much to him personally and to the churches he’s served. He encouraged the youth ministers not to underestimate their influence and to work with their pastors.

To have the greatest influence, Holmes said youth pastors need to know what their strengths are and what they bring to the church. “Clarify your calling,” he said.

Holmes noted the ministers at Northwood have no job descriptions; their jobs are catered to their strengths. The arrangement creates a team of ministers who understand what and how they can contribute at their maximum level, he said.

He said it is essential that the staff function as a team and pray as a team. “If you don’t have good staff dynamics, the church is in trouble,” he warned. “And if you don’t know your role in it, it’s in even more trouble.”

Holmes encouraged the youth ministers to be grounded – spiritually, relationally and in self-awareness – and to be connected to the church and culture, and to be submissive to the leadership of the pastor. – CSU