Every time leadership goes bad it can be traced back to one of two things: balance or value. Let’s take balance first. When a leader is out of balance between skills and character leadership is going to go bad. When a leader thinks his character has nothing to do with getting the job done, trouble is around the corner. If a leader thinks she should just focus on character and never on the mission, weak leadership will follow. Leaders must be in balance or leadership will go bad.

Value is much the same. If a leader places a high value on people and neglects the task, leadership will go bad. If a leader only focuses on the task and not on caring for people, followers will leave and the leader will be ineffective.

Remember balance and value are the keys to effective and long lasting leadership.

What stands out in today’s world? Everything is new and change happens so fast … so how do our youth ministries attract new students and adult volunteers? I believe following the pack will not allow you to stand out, nor will acting like a larger youth ministry or trying to be like a mega-church youth pastor. To really stand out I think we need to be who God created you to be. Seems simple but I believe, it’s really powerful. If we would spend as much time on our strengths as we do copying others, I believe we would see more growth. The truth is it requires courage to be yourself; it’s safer to spend your time acting like a successful youth pastor because you mistakenly think if it worked for him it could work for you. It usually doesn’t because we all have different gifts and God has called us to reach different outcomes depending on your church.

Keep in mind:

1. Clear vision stands out

2. Authentic relationships stand out

3. Integrity stands out

4. Wisdom stands out

5. Confidence stands out

As youth workers we have the great privilege of creating change agents. This world is so close to a tipping point for Christ. Natural disasters, poor economies, lack of water and basic needs, disappointment and meaningless lives are all calling people to Christ. He is the only answer and people around the world are turning to him. I know this to be true because I see it and because he promised it. We know in the end Jesus wins (you may not like wins, if not replace with the word victorious) So how will this tipping point be reached? I believe through young people. Change always comes through younger people. Jesus knew this, so many of this followers were young, and some were really young. People may argue it was cultural but I think it was on purpose. Young people want to better the world and they are willing to sacrifice for it and in some cases die for it.

I want you to consider your work with students. Are you creating change agents, humble servants of Christ, who because of their redemption believe in the power of Jesus to change this world? Do they have soft hearts that are ready to hear the call of Christ? Do they have hearts of courage to fight the battle? This is a great time in history to be a youth worker for Jesus Christ.

My dog Diesel has a new obedience trainer. He just started the other day. The first thing he said to me was, “This is about leadership training.” My first thought was, “Awesome! This I know something about.” My second thought was, “Hey, why I am paying this guy $100 an hour for this?” Then I realized he was talking about dog leadership and to be honest I don’t know that much about dog leadership. When this trainer talks about dog leadership he is talking about the leader of the pack and how the leader goes first in everything. He walks in front, he eats first and he sets the agenda. The other dogs go where he goes and they do what he does. I love dog leadership; the only problem is the leader dog has to be able to beat everyone else up. OK, maybe not the best idea for leadership. Ever feel like some of us humans lead like dogs? We put ourselves in front and we take first and we beat people up who don’t do exactly what we tell them. Check yourself: ask a friend to evaluate your leadership, maybe even ask other people for you. Do people feel uplifted by your leadership or beat up? Have him give you the honest feedback of people and be humble; listen and make changes if needed.