Leadership is such an important element in leading youth ministries. From your perspective, what’s the most important leadership quality that a youth worker can have?
Andrew Larsen: I think that resourcefulness is the swiss army knife that all youth workers need. It is not enough to say “I don’t know what I don’t know;” you have to know who does know. With more and more youth ministry positions becoming combo or part time positions, it is unrealistic to expect all youth workers to be experts, but they should be able to know where to find expertise.
Sara Bailey: In the movie, “Big Hero Six”, the mantra that the lead character Hiro adopts is “look at things from a different angle.” When the heroes in the movie were in a jam and things seemed hopeless, Hiro doesn’t tell them how to get out of their situation; he just encourages them to use their own gifts and perspectives to solve the problem.
This is a reminder that our world is constantly changing and youth workers need to look at things from a different angle. What worked a few years ago may not work today. What that looks like, I don’t know. Each context is different. Being open to what God can do and empowering others is not a new idea, but it’s an important quality needed in leadership.
Nate Sahms: We would be able to do so much good for Christ if we stopped trying to figure it all out ourselves but utilize the resources, ideas, and skills that a bunch of churches or ministries possess. Most schools have students that go to a lot more than 1 church. What would it look like if 10 churches started doing things together to reach one school? Greatness for Christ, instead of territorial frustration.
Caroline Wood: I couldn’t agree more. Resourcefulness, knowing who holds information and a willingness to collaborate are a must. Being teachable is invaluable. We must never stop learning in order to do so. There is always something we don’t know.
In ministry, we are called to be dealers in hope. There are many who need the hope and comfort that only the Lord can bring. Learning to be a non anxious presence of hope and comfort for those hurting can bring much needed healing.
