Getting My Feet Wet — Trying Not to Drown

I have the distinct pleasure of being in the middle of a decision making process that will change the course of my life. I've spent (roughly) the last four years of my life studying Theology and Youth Ministry at Dordt College and now I'm in the process of deciding whether I want to pursue Seminary studies or continue into the employment "world" in an attempt to put my knowledge and gifts to obvious use. While I'm excited to enter the world of youth ministry, I also have a desire to study theology further — a desire that will need to be quenched — some day. 

But that's not my point here.

In looking for ministry jobs, I've come across many churches (and parachurch organizations) looking for "part-time" youth ministry directors, alongside a kaleidescope of other part-time ministry positions. Growing up in a family directly involved in ministry, one of the first things I came to understand was that my Father's job wasn't "part-time." When my home church decided to hire a youth pastor for the first time, we started out with a job description that included ministering to youth, engaging our community, and re-inventing the church vision, and all in 20 hours a week.

I don't want to sound cynical. I'm very excited about the possibility of entering into (full-time) youth ministry and all of the blessings and challenges that will entail. 

My question is, do we really believe in "part-time" ministry?

Where is a part-time ministry position appropriate?