Hardships in Leadership

Leadership in youth ministry often looks exciting from the outside—but many leaders quietly carry exhaustion, discouragement, and spiritual weight. In this episode, we explore the hidden hardships of leadership: unmet expectations, loneliness, criticism, burnout, and the temptation to quit when faithfulness feels costly. This conversation helps youth ministers name their struggles honestly, understand why hardship is not a sign of failure, and learn how God uses suffering to form resilient, Christ-centered leaders who endure for the long haul. Confessions of a Struggling Youth Minister (Series) Rooted’s Youth Ministry Mentorship Program: A year-long mentoring pathway designed to help youth ministers process leadership challenges with seasoned leaders in the community. Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp.  1 Peter 5:1-5 Hebrews 13:17 Subscribe and follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast Check out Rooted’s gospel-centered curriculum and mentoring opportunities Join us for Rooted’s 2026 Conference in Nashville, TN to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded you’re not alone in ministry. Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.