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What's a Woman Youth Pastor To Do?

Interview with Brandi C. Dorsett The road women in ministry must travel is paved with challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities. Of the 2,690 youth pastors in the Assemblies of God, Brandi Dorsett, youth pastor at First Assembly of God, Wenatchee, Washington, is one of only a handful of women serving in full- or part-time youth ministry positions. Brandi visited with Enrichment to discuss how being a woman in ministry in a male-dominated profession has impacted her life.

EXPLAIN YOUR CALL AND DESIRE TO BECOME A YOUTH PASTOR.

I was called to be a youth pastor when I was in the eighth grade. God gave me a passion and burden to reach teenagers. I pursued a youth-ministry degree at Northwest College of the Assemblies of God and have been a youth pastor for almost 8 years.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A WOMAN IN MINISTRY?

My experience has been that some people question the role of women in ministry. They lack understanding of how women in ministry fit with Scripture. Part of my role as a female youth pastor is to expand people’s awareness of women in ministry.

IS THERE ANY AWKWARDNESS IN MINISTERING TO THE YOUNG MEN IN YOUR YOUTH GROUP?

A female youth pastor ministers to the young men in a similar way male youth pastors minister to girls in their youth group. They need to set appropriate and wise boundaries, and lead by example in knowing and loving God with their lives. It also helps to surround yourself with some male youth staff.

I had two great youth pastors growing up who taught me how to be a youth pastor. They were both men, yet they modeled how to be a good youth leader to young men and women.

Youth pastors, whether male or female, can be incredible role models and encourage teens to pursue God fervently. I had two great youth pastors growing up who taught me how to be a youth pastor. They were both men, yet they modeled how to be a good youth leader.

I have discovered that personality more than gender is significant. Interests and likes vary depending on the individual. I implement the gifts and qualities God has given me. My interest in drama, science, and the outdoors allows me to relate to guys and girls alike. I connect with kids as we rock climb, river raft, or go out to lunch. I also have surrounded myself with youth staff who have a variety of interests. Together we complement each other’s strengths.

I may not shoot hoops with the guys or girls, but I attend their games and cheer them on. I strive to invest my time, love, and life in them.

Respect is earned; gender has little to do with it. I have never had any problems with guys in my youth ministry. From big football players to non-Christian drug addicts, they have respected me as the youth pastor.

HOW DID THE CHURCH AND YOUTH REACT WHEN THEY FOUND OUT THEY WERE GETTING A FEMALE YOUTH PASTOR?

Many young people told me that at first they weren’t quite sure if they would like a female youth pastor. But after we met, they were glad I was their youth leader.

I followed a male youth pastor. I work on building trust and relationships. Guys and girls come and hang out in my office. They feel free to talk about school, sports, family, friends, and other things in their lives. The key for any youth pastor is to be sure the youth know you genuinely care about them.

The staff and congregation have also welcomed my husband and me with open arms. As we began to build friendships and relationships, we gained even more respect and trust. Being here has been a great experience for us.

WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR HUSBAND PLAY IN YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY?

Chuck and I have been married 6 years. Chuck is confident in who he is and is never threatened by an outgoing wife. We are a team. He leads our youth worship and then I do the message. I take the ladies on a girls’ night out, and he takes the guys. We complement each other. He is my number one encourager. Chuck works full time outside the youth ministry.

DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN SECTIONAL AND DISTRICT YOUTH MINISTRY.

When I attend sectional and district planning events, I view it as a meeting of youth leaders rather than a group of men plus me. Everyone has qualities, characteristics, interests, and gifts that make up his or her personality. I consider myself one of the district’s youth pastors.

For a long time I have been working with campus ministry through our district council. That has been a fantastic experience. We also support all of the district youth conferences and summer camps. I’ve been a summer camp director for Silver Lake Camp for several years and have been well received.

Being involved on the sectional and district level has been a bridge in expanding my awareness of women in ministry. This has been an asset. Even though I am a female, my involvement has been as a team player. I may be a female, but I am a fellow youth pastor. I have also helped the district with its Girls Only Retreat by teaching workshops and helping on the planning committee.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BEING IN THE MINISTRY?

I have taught classes at Northwest College for women who are going into the ministry. This has been a great opportunity for me to mentor some young women.

Here are seven things I tell women pursuing the ministry:

1. Women in ministry is not about the cause of women but the cause of Christ. It is not about being a feminist; it’s about sharing hope.

2. Walk in His confidence. Be who God created you to be. Let Him continue to shape and mold you to be more like Him.

3. God calls people who are willing to dream His dreams and who are available. He will open doors for you.

4. A leader is a servant. Be humble. Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

5. Be and do your best. Do all things as unto Christ. Strive for excellence. Live to make Him smile.

6. Be a person of character and integrity. If you do not have these qualities, you should not be in leadership regardless of gender.

7. Attitude is everything. Be positive, not defensive. You can be friends with people who do not support women in ministry. We are all on the same team.

For those in youth ministry, the task is the same: Encourage and equip youth to have a passion to know God and make Him known. Together, we can share hope with students who desperately need it.