Why Do Student Leaders Often Not Succeed?

 If you know me at all, you know I am a huge proponent of developing student leaders in a college ministry.  The two greatest factors in a ministry (apart from the work of the Holy Spirit) are the College Minister and the student leaders.

Some Reasons Student Leaders Often do NOT Succeed:

1.  Right Student....Wrong Spot - They are a great student who loves the Lord and we just have put them in the wrong place.  it is particularly easy to do with one who will do anything we ask.  Proper placements by gifts and temperament is huge on our part.

2.  We HAD to have someone. - This is closely related to number 1.  We have a position and we feel the pressure of having someone there.  So, we place them in a position they just don't fit.  Some times we just have to say, we don't have anyone to fill that spot.  That is tough, but usually works out best in the long run.

3.  They are overwhelmed with discouragement. - Sometimes, a student does everything that can be  done and there just is not the result anyone would desire.  That is where we must help them evaluate on effort...not result.  And, help them never feel alone.  Be a partner with them.  Praised them for effort.

4.  They were never taught how to do what they are asked to do. - Some believe  the way you teach leadership is to throw someone into a role and let them sink or swim on their own.  I believe this is a recipe for disaster.  One of the reasons I strongly believe in weekly meetings with student leaders is that it is a continual coaching and teaching time.

5.  They wanted a position....not a responsibility. - Everyone wants to be chosen.  Everyone wants to be recognized.  One of the difficult things in selecting student leaders is discerning if they just want a position or are they really willing and able to accept the responsibility.

6.  They were not told clearly what the responsibilities were. - We must communicate clearly what the responsibilities are and what it takes to accomplish them.  We can tell them some of what has been done previously by others who served in that role, but give them room to do it in their style.

7.  THIS IS THE WORST ONE:  Seeing a student with GREAT potential and putting them in a role they are not ready for.  I have seen freshmen and sophomores ruined for future leadership because they were thrown into roles that overwhelmed them.  Some ministry leadership roles are Junior or Senior roles...they just are.  That negative experience can cause them to back away from future service. 

Check out these college ministry materials by Arliss Dickerson:  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX or Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.