I have very few “pocket speeches” that I pull out and use over and over again.

I find that every student is unique, as is their situation, and it (and they) deserves to be treated as such.

However, at the start of every new school year there is one speech (conversation is probably a more accurate description) that I seem to present over and over and over again…

When new students approach me about finding a place to lead (and more specific to our campus — to lead worship) I tell them all the same thing:

Find a place to belong first, then look for ways to invest your gifts.

I’m sure I burst the bubble of many of these well-intentioned students — especially those who come from contexts back home where they have held significant leadership roles — but I firmly believe that too many students jump in to the first leadership opportunity that presents itself (believing that this will be how they distinguish themselves in their new community), and end up struggling because it the leadership opportunity turns out to not be a place they themselves can grow, learn, be stretched or belong.

They end up fulfilling a role — half-heartedly so — and not leading out of passion and purpose.

It may seem counter-intuitive to turn eager students away — or even delay them the opportunity to bring new life and ideas to your ministry (in an official leadership role) — but I think it’s for the best.

Even if it means they end up finding somewhere else to lead and serve.

These new students, who had risen to the top of the leadership ladder in their respective schools and churches, need to be reminded of the importance of being led — especially in times of transition — and allowing the right leadership opportunity to reveal itself to them.

They need to know that it’s OK to not lead — even if just for a season.

I think this has the potential to shape them — and their future leadership — in some significant ways.

What do you think?