6. Communicate
The leader must communicate. It should be first and last on their list of to-do’s every day. Communicating involves what’s happening this week. But it also involves talking through when things go wrong and you taking account for what happened, and leading through how it’s not going to happen again. Communicating is also a big part of creating a compelling vision for everyone to follow.
7. Champion
No one cares about your youth ministry more than you. Speak out, share, and affirm what your leaders are doing with the larger church.
8. Captain
The biggest thing a leader/pastor needs to do is be the captain. I’ve suffered in ministry when the leader refused to be in charge and when the leader let more charismatic people take the helm and drive the ministry into the rocks on the leader’s watch. Being a captain also means you’re the one creating vision and direction for the church.
Although others may steer a wheel of the ministry, having clear direction and course from the captain keeps the ship off sandbars. After all, you don’t want to stray off the path or go aimlessly in circles in the sea of uncertainty.
9. Create Culture/Context
Leaders must create and nurture sustainable cultures in which the Gospel can be manifest in that leaders’ context/environment. Copying another leaders style, say from the West Coast, might not work as well in the East. It’s worthwhile to remind leaders to examine the culture and context in which they serve. The correct placement of your passion with the world’s needs is critical to ministry.
10. Model
Never forget to lead by example. Our students aren’t the only ones who watch what we do or the choices we make. In fact, sometimes the leaders we lead are more influenced by us than the kids are. They often take their leadership cues from us.
I was talking with a missionary, describing the various resources I was considering. Then he said, “Well, whatever resources or curriculum you decide on, just remember that your life is the real curriculum teaching these kids and staff.” Wow!
Thanks to Matt Murphy, Rusty and Micah for these additional thoughts on the responsibilities of church leaders!
