The SECRET of Developing Student Leaders

 I harp about the importance of training and developing student leaders all the time, because I just think it is that important.  But, is there a key piece or technique to raising up good and strong student leaders for our ministry and leadership in our churches in the years to come?  I think there is.

The SECRET to developing Student Leaders is AFFIRMATION.

FIRST, we must affirm the potential in students we connect to.  I have said to students, "I think you could be a leader on this campus and even president of the student body one day."  I have often said to students, "You could be a key leader in this ministry, if you choose to."  But, there is an important, HOWEVER here.........that affirmation must be genuine.  Don't tell a student something that is not true.  You put them in position for failure that is hurtful to them with false affirmation.  But, I believe there is something in the life of every student that can be affirmed and they need that.  Many have never heard it from anyone.

SECOND,  we must and can affirm effort.  When students are trying to grow and serve, they will mess up. They will not do it perfectly.  We have all been there....maybe just an hour ago!  But, we can say, "I really appreciate the time, effort and care you put into that.  Then, we help them learn and grow from that experience.

THIRD, don't take it for granted when they do great and when they just do what they were supposed to do.  We can and should affirm their faithfulness.  Showing up and doing what you were supposed to is becoming more and more a rare trait in some circles these days.  Bosses today will tell you that someone who shows up every time they are supposed to is often a prize winning employee.

The more we affirm leadership potential, ability, and service in our college ministries, the more we will see it!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, "Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades" is available at amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9