If I Can Do This, Anybody Can!
Do you ever feel like you are un-qualified to be a leader? I sure do....In fact, I feel that way quite often! Here's a short list of my most glaring shortcomings:
I'm Not A Good Listener: The truth is I think I'm smart, charming and inspiring so I like to hear myself talk and I assume others do, too! My listening skills really do need work.
I'm Terrible At Remembering Names: Most of the time I can remember the names of my wife and our two children, but beyond that things get a little sketchy. I try to cover up this weakness by calling everybody "Dude" or "Hey....you!" Doesn't go over real well with students, my volunteer team, or my best friends!
I'm Unorganized: It's not because I don't value organization. I think it's simply in my genes. My car, my office, my schedule, my sock drawer...just about everything I touch somehow ends up way more cluttered and confusing than it needs to be.
I'm Thin Skinned: This one hurts to admit because I truly believe that thick skin is a vital quality of leadership. One of the ongoing lessons my mom and dad tried to help me learn was that I need to be less sensitive. I care what people think of me and as a result I tend to be a people pleaser.
I Don't Care What People Think: I know, based on what I just wrote, I must also be schizophrenic! But even though I totally care what people think, I often behave and lead in ways that communicate that I couldn't care less about what the people on my team think. I make changes too quickly, I don't collaborate when I should, and I expect my team to easily go along with decisions that impact them in significant ways.
I could go on and on....and probably should some day with some sort of professional "input". But my point is this: If you feel unqualified to be a leader, you aren't alone.
The truth is that you aren't qualified to be a leader, but God has chosen you anyway! And because God has chosen you, you are qualified!
May you lead and love people with confidence and courage despite your shortcomings knowing that your heavenly Father hand-picked you for such a time as this!
Conversation
I started teaching sunday
I have been teaching for
I have been teaching for over 30 years, even taught in college. Currently teaching Jr high Sunday school and still feel just like the article describes at times. Even exprienced teachers feel this way. I think it is what drives us to keep getting better. If you spend time prepping for what ever you are teaching, you will do well. My students think I must know every bible verse, but really i do not know that much. What I do know is to admit to myself that I may not know the topic well, and go out and research and read as much as possible. The internet and sites like this have great insights to just about any topic you will broach. Learn what you can and always be willing to admit that you may not have an answer to a question given you. Then honestly go find it. It will help the student's confidence to ask questions and expand your knowledge.
I can breathe a little now!
I can breathe a little now! I was actually in bible study last week with the kids and had to second guess and wonder- God am I really the one to be doing this?! I mean I think about the kids and ideas and them really being all that God wants to be and so I had decided to be obedient and step up and continue to lead the Wednesday night bible study. yesterday was my second "real" week and I went home thinking- Lord maybe I am not the one! I can definately relate to I'm thin skinned... but even in the midst God has lead me to reading 1 timothy and titus and I'm just gonna keep plugging and lean MORE to God and what HE wants to accomplish with this ministry. Blessings to you all; Praying we keep each other and ALL youth leaders and ministeries in our prayers.
I found this article to be
I found this article to be very comforting and inspiring. I became our youth leader more or less because the previous youth leader stepped down (to have a baby) and there I was. We do not have any paid staff at our church. I do not see myself as either charming or inspiring, and definitely not cool, and never was. I have no real training other than a lifetime of personal and church Bible study, and I have not had time to read any books or magazines on the topic, which is why I just starting reading this website. I am actually a research scientist. I don't have an Ipod, don't know how to text, and can not understand a word of the youth's emails. I just want the youth to know the Lord's word, to take it very seriously, and to know that I am there for whatever way I can help. I appreciate the reminder that it is all God and not my abilities. That is good news!
Is it plagiarism if you
Is it plagiarism if you completely just stole everything about me and my leadership and wrote them in this article?
While it is comforting to find myself in good company, I am still concerned that if I remain stagnant in these areas, my leadership will become less and less effective. God has chosen me to be where I am. As much as I've tried to get out, move on or change roles, I'm still here. Why? I'm not sure.
However, I am sure that while I'm here, I must continue to be intentional about listening well, remembering names, getting organized, leading courageously, communicating well and on and on....
The more qualified I become, the less qualified I feel. The less qualified I feel, the more I rely upon God. And for me, that is the biggest temptation I face--doing ministry from my own strength, intellect and skill set, rather than upon the continued leading of and leaning upon the Lord.
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