developing student leaders (part 1)
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the elements required in developing student leaders. A few of the mental prompts that have got me reflecting on student leaders have come from:
1. Spending a lot of time recently with my youth pastor (Jim Burns) who developed me into a teenage leader 30+ years ago.
2. The current planning of our Student Leadership Conference at APU in July.
3. Hanging out with some of the 9th grade boys in my weekly small group.
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Nobody gets a youth worker like Group Magazine.
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There’s no magic formula and/or pixie dust that a youth worker can use to seek and develop young leaders…sorry. But, I really do believe there are some intentional actions we can take to help teenagers better understand and follow the ways of leadership. This week I’ll write some of my thoughts and ask you to add by sharing your wisdom, experience and insight.
An important FIRST STEP for a youth worker is to broaden the definition of leadership. So often we fall into and follow the ways of the world that defines a leader in terms synonymous with extravert, influencer, charismatic, dynamic, good in front of crowds, etc… (you get the point). While I wouldn’t dismiss these as helpful qualities for any leader, I surely wouldn’t use them to limit the potential leaders within your ministry. I think that in youth ministry, leadership should look different than the cute, fun and popular teenagers that are voted into most leadership positions at school.
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Nobody gets a youth worker like Group Magazine.
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When we broaden our definition of leadership and align it more closely to the words of Jesus, our potential audience for finding leaders may dramatically change. Jesus said, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” (Mt. 20:26). Bottom line: Christ-following leaders are different! Leaders serve.
What if you looked at your youth ministry and asked yourself, “Who are the teenagers within our setting that seem to have a more natural leaning toward service, helping, and/or humility? Start there. Notice them. Affirm their acts of service. Begin thinking, “Who might that teenager become if he/she was challenged to be a leader within this ministry?” Think about a new definition…a leader who serves.
Conversation
I notice a connection in my
I notice a connection in my youth ministry setting between strong student leaders, and families that are modeling faith and service in home, community and church community. Does anyone else notice this connection? This seems to be an even bigger factor in my setting than the personality or gifts of the student. There are some students with natural leadership skills...but worship, service and faith conversation are not a priority at home. Those students are marginally involved and certainly not leading. Other students are more shy, less confident and do not stand out as leaders...but they serve in our church community and lead in faith conversation, and I see a connection to the faith environment of their family.
Anyone else??
What I've learn so far in
What I've learn so far in ministry, whether I'm looking for youth leaders or kids leaders, I've learned to look for leadership qualities. I look at character first and foremost. Does this student love Jesus, does his or her actions go with what they are staying? Are they willing to serve. Leadership starts with serving. Jesus came to serve and we need to have the same motivation.
Something else that I've learned is to rely on the Spirit of God when making big decisions. You can get anyone to help out with setting chairs up and doing support ministry, but when it comes down to helping out with laying hands and leading spiritually, I'm not quick to move. I ask God to lead me, because there are times when I was hesitate to do something, because of what God was showing me. I later found out that there was a reason for that hesitation and I am at a point that I would rather wait on God and deal with the current issue then rush to fill a spot.
I love this week's topic!
I love this week's topic! This is the essence of youth ministry, developing leaders. Something I look for in student leader is that they are a leader in their group of friends (i.e. not a follower). I believe that the goal is to develop all students in this area, but some are definitely more natural leaders than others, not in the cute, fun popular aspect, but in leading others to become more like Christ. So I look for students who aren't following their friends in making unwise decisions, but instead aren't afraid to be different and make the wise, unpopular choice, encouraging their friends to do the same.
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