I was wandering around my blog archives the other day (insert nerd-related comment here) and I noticed that I spend a lot more time thinking about student leaders at the beginning of every new academic year (or at least that’s what my blog archives might lead one to believe).

I hope that’s not the reality — for me or for you — because our student leaders are our greatest human asset.

In fact, how we “manage” our student leaders during this busy season of the term will likely have a lot to do with how they are when they return from the Christmas break — and even whether or not they’ll make plans to return to leadership in the following academic year.

I don’t like to use the word “manage,” but what I’m trying to get at is that we need to be mindful of — and therefore act accordingly in — a few key areas in order to assure that we are caring for, and not abusing or overwhelming, our student leaders as another term draws to a close.

Here are a few thoughts to jump-start our conversation about student leaders and the end of the term:

First, we need to remember that they’re students too. Our student leaders, just like all the other students on campus, are feeling the weight of the end of the term. They have final papers, projects and exams… just like everyone else. They are struggling to eat, sleep and stay healthy… just like everyone else. Just like their peers, they’ve had a taste of holiday life (Thanksgiving) and now can hardly think about anything beyond the scope of their academic work that stands between them and their highly anticipated (and extended) Christmas break. It’s the end of the term… and they’re weary. So…

Secondly, we need to give them space. It can be tempting to want to lean on student leaders to help carry-out some of the final ministry elements of the term — whether it be a final holiday gathering, assembling goody bags, study aids or holiday gifts, or even doing some of the end-of-the-term assessment and/or planning for the return from the break. Sure, we can invite our leaders to participate in any or all of these events, but I think it’s important that we NOT saddle them with any unneeded additional stress or pressure that come in the form of expectations or responsibilities. We can invite them in, but should be prepared to do things (whatever they may be) without them. This might mean reaching out to draw in new partners or volunteers. Maybe there is faculty and staff from around campus that could assist us (although many of them will also be feeling the end-of-the-term weight as well). Local churches and church leaders can be a great resource to tap into — if that’s not your current setting or pool. Regardless of who it is, we need to make sure that our students know (and believe) that we want them to focus on taking care of themselves (and their academic work) in these closing days of the term.

And, finally, we need to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do! This is a GREAT time of year to show our student leaders all of the love and appreciation we have for them! They have worked hard and if there are ways we can “reward” all of that effort, let’s do it! It might be as simple as a shared meal (although schedules can be tricky) or a small Christmas gift. Something (anything) that let’s them know we’re thinking about them, that we KNOW what they’re doing and acknowledge the sacrifice and commitment that they have made over the past term. There will be time for assessment and planning… but this is not that time! This time should be about CELEBRATION!

Yes, I believe that how we “manage” or care for student leaders at the end of the term will have a dramatic impact on the future of our ministry on campus — and their involvement in it.

What do you think?

How do you care for student leaders during the end of the term?

Are you aware of the expectations you place on student leaders during busier seasons of campus life?

Are there ways you might be damaging your relationships with student leaders by mis-“managing” them during these high-stress times?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Please take a moment to share in the comment section below.