The purpose of this study was to investigate the extended tenures of youth ministers, their common characteristics, as well as, their leadership techniques. The researcher defined expert, leadership techniques, longevity, organizational climate factors, spiritual gifts, and youth minister. This research addressed and presented theoretical foundations based on the youth minister and spiritual gifts, leadership techniques of youth ministers, the call to ministry, youth ministry, and thriving in youth ministry. It also discussed the importance of having the trust of youth and parents which can come through tenure. The subjects of this study were youth ministers who have been in their current positions for ten years or more. These ministers have held the title and position of youth minister for the duration of this time. The sample of youth ministers were given a survey in which their expertise will be conveyed. After compiling the responses, the researcher returned to three of the youth ministers for more insight into the results of the survey. The study presented these results with charts and tables along with explanation of each. Personal characteristics, spiritual giftedness, leadership techniques, call to ministry, organizational climate factors, as well as, the nature of the relationship between these topics are presented. Once the information was compiled and displayed the researcher drew conclusions to longevity in ministry and leadership techniques of youth ministers with extended tenures. Ways in which the results of the research can be applied and implemented into churches and institutions to help youth ministers know what to expect if they are going to remain in youth ministry long-term will also be addressed. Further research into spiritual giftedness, leadership techniques, ministerial calling, and extended tenure is encouraged. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-204).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 212-217).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-133).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, 1987. / Author uses Kent R. Hunter's Spiritual gifts discovery survey and scoring sheet (fully revised), which is included in thesis as figure 1. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-170).

Thesis (M.A.R.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-86).

Thesis (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1994. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-155).

Thesis (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1994. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 161-167).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-133).