How Does Imposter Syndrome Affect Your Youth Ministry?

Imposter syndrome in ministry is when you have two or more internal anxieties directly related to feeling like an imposter. In ministry, it is heightened by feeling unfit for the role and lacking in spiritual authority. Therefore, you feel undeserving or unworthy to be operating in spiritual ministry.

I had very little guidance or training when I began working in ministry over 18 years ago. It was during the days when the philosophy was sink or swim. I would run a youth event, drawing other youth groups from across the city; we’d see youth engaging and thriving in their faith. I’d then go home and break down in tears.

What was happening? Why did I feel so overwhelmed and anxious despite seeing some success? The answer was something I discovered years later. I was burning out, operating with imposter syndrome and had no clue what I was doing.

If we’re honest, most people in ministry are making it up as they go along. The difference that experience and personal confidence add is that you feel secure about your leadership ability.

If we don’t find ways to manage our fears, we won’t be able to lead effectively in ministry. So, with that in mind, let’s look at how you can keep imposter syndrome in check.

Ways To Overcome Imposter Syndrome In Youth Ministry

1. Develop Your Confidence.

   Confidence is the reward of doing things that require confidence. It’s a daily decision to trust yourself just like you would choose to trust another. Start small, but remind yourself that you are capable. Hold your head high, speak firmly and clearly and do not allow yourself to shrink physically or emotionally.

2. Be A Self-Improver.

   You’ll never have all the answers, and you don’t need to be the most intelligent person in the room. However, it is helpful to learn and grow continually. Make a commitment to develop your soft skills. Learn what makes people tick. Learn how to strengthen your inner being. Read. Read. Read. And grow.

3. Celebrate Your Success.

   Most people quickly dismiss small victories. Keep track of little wins. If you have a conversation that goes well, make a journal note about it. If you have a positive result from something you led, record it. Collect memories of success and remind yourself of them frequently.

4. Learn From Failure.

   When things go poorly, ask yourself how you can learn from it. Don’t sit and have a pity party for too long. Sure, allow yourself to feel rubbish briefly, but don’t live in it. Figure out what worked and didn’t—most of my success with leading results from learning what not to do.

5. Find A Mentor.

   Look for people who have done what you are trying to do. Search far and wide if you have to. They may be in your church, other churches, or countrywide. Ask them good questions and be vulnerable. Take them for coffee and pay for it. If you ask, you’ll be amazed how much-experienced leaders want to help you. Don’t be put off if a few say no; eventually, you’ll find a few who want to help you.

6. Be Open & Honest

   Recognise you are not perfect and are not supposed to be either. Be willing to admit your mistakes, and don’t try to dodge complex topics or shortcomings. Learn to be kind and candid with yourself and with others. Always ask, ‘How can we grow from this?’.

7. Change Your Mindset

   Reframe your insecurities as opportunities to grow. You can feed negative emotion by agreeing with it or acknowledge how you feel and say, ‘But I will find a way to overcome it’. It’s not denial; it’s a refocus of your mind. It’s okay to feel incapable or anxious but recognise that you don’t have to allow it to define you. Optimism is a decision – so look for the positives as much as possible without ignoring the problem.

8. Develop A Mission Statement

   Having a mission statement will help you come unstuck and present decision paralysis. When unsure what to do, you can ask yourself if the decisions align with your values and mission. If it doesn’t, then it’s a no. It will also bring a sense of purpose as you lead.

9. Lead From Your Values

   Similarly to having a clear mission, knowing your values will help you overcome feelings of insecurity. Having a clear mind about what is valuable to you and your ministry will allow you to make decisions more confidently. You’re no longer trying to figure out what to do; you are making decisions because the choice is valuable, even better if everyone on the team can share in the values.

It’s unlikely you will ever be free from all imposter syndrome symptoms. And, perhaps, you shouldn’t be. There is a level of feeling uneasy that helps us grow. If we become so complacent that we don’t feel a little nervous about our ministry, our faith and ability will likely no longer grow. The critical thing is not to allow feelings of imposter syndrome to dominate and stop you from ministering.