Being Intentional About Developing Student Leaders

 Recently, I have read different College Ministers listing their core practices in their ministry.  I have not disagreed with anything I have seen listed.  What I have disagreed with is.....some have not mentioned developing student leaders as part of their core practices. I believe that has to be central in our ministry

5 Keys in Developing Student Leaders in College Ministry:

1.  Intentionality - We must continually be looking for students with potential to lead and be very intentional in developing and building them up.  It does not happen by accident on a regular basis.

2.  Training - Two common reasons student leaders fail are:

        -They had no real clear clue as to what they were to do.

        -They had to idea how to do it.

    When we recruit or enlist a student leader for a formal leadership role, we have to tell them clearly what that job involves and what it will take to do it. 

3.  Giving Responsibility - There is such a fine line between a leader feeling they have been deserted and too much input from someone else.  We must give responsibility, but let them serve in it...but....not feel alone or left to hang out to dry.

4.  Continual Coaching -  Part of the learning and growing process as a leader is positive evaluation of what is happening.  There is a difference in criticism and helping someone learn from their experiences.  Why did something work?  Why did something not work?

5.  Affirmation - Possibly the most important part of continual coaching is AFFIRMATION.  First, affirmation is key in someone being willing to attempt a leadership role.  We let them know we believe they have the ability to do it. And, we continually express appreciation for their efforts.  We express to them what we see in them and challenge them to be their best and how God can use them not just now, but in the future.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and Almost Everything About College Ministry is at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.