With a van full of sleeping teens, and music quietly humming I started to wonder if we’d make it. The Ohio Turnpike isn’t the most scenic route, but it was necessary to reach our destination. We were on our way to
the Student Leadership Conference in Granger, Indiana. Despite the drive the investment was worth it because a healthy youth ministry needs healthy student leaders.
Sadly, I have not always been good at developing student leaders. I used to struggle when it came to student leadership development because I was afraid of:
- Forming an insider’s club within the ministry
- Showing teens my flaws as a leader
- Losing focus of the other students I needed to reach
I was allowing fear to hold me back from doing something that is a necessary part of a healthy youth ministry. What has helped me is looking at student leadership development LESS LIKE A PROGRAM AND MORE LIKE AN INVESTMENT. To make the proper investment you need to:
CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY
Start investing in the language that you are using around teens and when you speak with them. You could say something that could question or amplify their abilities. If you want to raise up leaders you need start:
- Calling them a leader
- Telling them they have the ability to create change today
- Affirming their positive behavior and celebrating their accomplishments
- Share with them the vision that God has placed on your heart
It also means being careful about how you critique them as a leader. Don’t be afraid to show criticism, just make sure it’s done with love. Explain to them that what you are sharing is to help them. Allow them to process they hurt or pain, but also show them that you are committed to helping them grow.
HELP THE TEENS GET TO KNOW THE REAL YOU
One of the reason a lot of teens step away from leadership is because they can’t handle the pressure to be perfect. They see you as put together and someone who has all the answers. As their leader you need to make sure that they know you struggle. They need to know that you also are human.
That means looking at how you share your story with them. Do they know your flaws and failures? How have you shared with them the journey you’ve taken? This can be done at your trainings, during team meetings or just one on one.
Alleviating the pressure to be perfect will help them overcome fears of failure. You’ll still need to hold them accountable, but let them know despite their actions that they are still loved and forgiven. When you share make sure you keep it appropriate. If you aren’t sure what is and isn’t appropriate meet with a trusted colleague to review.
GIVE YOUR STUDENTS A PROBLEMS TO SOLVE AND PROJECTS TO CONQUER
Your ministry has a mission and a calling. As a leader you are trying to do something big and your student leaders need to be a part of that movement. That means focusing on more than just the content of what it means to be a leader.
At your meetings, trainings and even in one on one conversations discuss why you do what you do is so important. Give them projects in the church (Not just the youth ministry) where they can participate or lead. Talk about the obstacles that stand in the way of what you are trying to accomplish and allow them to ask questions and speak wisdom into the situation.
Again, go beyond the youth ministry walls by having them serve in other capacities throughout the church. Connect them with your coworkers and other church leaders. Empower them to lead a specific ministry, even if it means overseeing adults. Mentor them through the process and show them how to tackle problems and conquer projects.
SHOW THEM HOW TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES AS A LEADER
If you want them to be leaders you need to help them grow like one. That means showing them that:
- Leaders are learners
- Leaders work on a team
- Leaders invest in their own spiritual health
- Leaders are uniquely designed by God
Share with them the tools and resources you use to grow as a leader. Invite them to join you and your adult leaders at a workshop or conference. Sit down with them, help them evaluate their gifts and talents. Mentor, coach and help them grow.
Developing students into leaders at your church is a commitment, but its worth the effort. You are empowering them to go beyond their comfort zone. You are asking them to discover who God has created them to be. When you are developing student leaders you are unleashing potential that will motivate your church and awaken some of your most faithful.
What tools, resources or tactics have you used to develop student leaders?
Join the Conversation on Facebook
FOR MORE ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CHECK OUT:
LEADER TREKS at Leadertreks.com
DOWNLOAD YOUTH MINISTRY at downloadyouthministry.com