11 Lists That Successful Youth Workers Keep

I love a good list. Numbers, bullet points, colour coordination and, of course, subheadings. Lists are nectar to the analytical soul! They’re also invaluable if you run Youth Work projects. Here’s a random bunch of my favourites gleaned from talking to amazing youth work practitioners. If you don’t already keep some of these – you might want to think about them.

1. Contacts

Adhering strictly to data protection law, keeping lists of contacts is a must. Keeping a check on young people that you come into contact with, and their parents; Growing a donors and prayer partners database; Friendly teachers and council staff; and finally other practitioners that you can partner with in the work that you do.

2. Goals

I outline a list of about ten specific goals for my projects to accomplish every year. These are broad brush, optimistic yet achievable, and enthusiastic yet measurable.

3. Values

Broader than goals, is a list of values. A short, succinct but specific list of ideals that you can measure all your projects and activities against is very helpful. This takes your theology and ethics and nails them to the door of everything that you do.

4. Tasks

Every morning I lay out a list of tasks need to be accomplished the following day. These are action and communication based, very practical and very specific. I also have a larger task list that includes all my major one-off projects throughout the entire year.

5. Project Bucket List

I have crazy ideas every day that I know I cannot accomplish immediately. These go into my project bucket list. Not only is this a great resource for ideas later, but it has allowed me to always drive the vision forwards.

6. Promises

There are easily hundreds of specific promises made in scripture. At the beginning of a year or a season, I like to go through these and ask God to bring some of them particularly to mind that might be pertinent to the year ahead. I keep these in a handy promises list that can be stuck up above my desk.

7. Prayer Journal

This is a simple two column list of prayers asked and prayers answered. Sometimes this includes lists of people that I’m praying for, or specific projects which have particular needs. I’m always amazed at the prayers answered part by the end of the season.

8. Creative Ideas & Tools

Youth conferences, training days, books, magazines and blogs are full of ridiculously creative ideas and tools. I copy and paste as many of these as possible into a creative ideas list to dip into throughout the entire year of events and clubs.

9. Expenses

If you don’t already, it is really important to keep track of your expenses. I’m good at tracking them, but I’m rubbish at claiming them! I always get to them, but rather later than I mean to. Keeping a clear track of expenses helps you understand your handle on stewardship, as well as God’s provision.

10. Icebreakers

Almost every single thing that I do requires an icebreaker to get people talking independently and sharing together. It’s always worth having access to an icebreaker list. I’ll make things easier:here is one ready made for you!

11. Holidays

Okay, not so much list as much as a properly planned calendar, but if you make a list at the beginning of the year which includes all your major projects and school dates, then you should be able to work out your entire year of holidays too! If you’ve been in youth work for more than a couple of years then you’ll know exactly why I’m saying that. Get them listed and get them booked!

Enjoy, everybody – and lists ahoy!