In the summer of 1977, my home church hired a young and energetic youth leader. This young man, I soon learned, would have a great impact on my life. He had many gifts, but two of the most important were his ability and willingness to listen and his proclivity toward healthy conversations.
Through the years, I’ve tried to emulate these qualities, since have learned how vital conversations can be to a healthy and energetic youth ministry. After all, conversation is a two-way street. Conversation involves listening and speaking. It is give and take. Conversation is sharing.Effective youth leaders are those who have mastered the art of conversation. They have mastered, in one form or another, questions such as, “What am I hearing in the questions and concerns of others? What thoughts or ideas can be developed in conversation with others? Where are people taking ownership of their ideas, and how can I help give similar authority and leadership to others? How can I listen more effectively? What do I need to say as a leader that can help our group grow in ministry?”
These are not small questions. Therefore, they do not involve small conversations. These conversations can take place in special leadership councils, over coffee, or in the serendipitous meetings that one has with teenagers and other church leaders. Not all conversations are prearranged, and many of the most important conversations are encountered through the cracks and interruptions of life and ministry.
So, what conversations are you engaged in right now? Where are they leading you and your ministry? What questions need to be asked? What are you hearing?
