Updated 4/21/14

Student leadership is central to much of what we do.

Student leaders have the ability to extend the reach, and multiply the effectiveness, of our overall ministry efforts on campus.

In a previous post I talked about 5 Reasons Your Student Leaders Will Quit On You.

In a related post I wrote about: Signs of New Life — in which I explored the idea that one of the areas we hopefully see “new growth” within our ministries, at this late point in the year, is in the influx of new leaders –– or incoming leaders for next year — which in many ways symbolizes the fruit of ministry from this past year.

Today I’d like us to consider what it means when leaders return.

Veteran leaders!

We all know that these leaders are as good as gold… and can be as rare as it as well.

Retaining leaders can be a HUGE sign of good health within a ministry.

It often means that students:

• had a good experience
• felt cared for
• have been invested in
• have a good understanding of the mission and vision of the ministry
• have bought into that mission and vision

 

When student leaders journey with God, and with us, for a season of ministry on campus –– and then choose to sign on for another year –– it’s a BIG deal!

I think it’s an even BIGGER deal when student leaders choose to re-up their commitment with a ministry that’s serving in a challenging context. A place where there’s been little “fruit” to speak of –– or celebrate.

While it’s tough enough for those of us on the paid staff to deal with –– I think it’s even tougher for student leaders to swallow. They’ve grown up in an “instant society.” Waiting for results can feel like failure.

We all want to be a part of something BIG, something successful, something spectacular –– and when that’s not our reality it can be easy to look for a way out — any way out.

Which makes those who return all the more special!

And that’s not a slam against those who don’t return –– those who faithfully served for a year and now feel called elsewhere –– but it is meant to celebrate those who are willing to come back, with full awareness of what they’re getting into, and make themselves available to being used by God through those same ministry efforts.

The leadership community, and culture, that we create within our ministries has the potential to provide some of the most meaningful experiences for our student leaders.

The fun, the care, the investment –– getting to be a part of something bigger than themselves –– it can be transformative for these leaders!  Even though they signed on to be one of the tools of transformation… There’s no telling how God might choose to use this season, and set of leadership experiences, in their lives.

Therefore we must pay attention to, and be intentional with, the leadership community within our ministries.

It may very well be the reason some of our leaders return.

SO,

• What have you seen in your student leadership community?
• What do your student leaders say about the leadership experience your providing them?
• How can you celebrate all that God has done this year — both in and through your leaders?
• How will you learn from the challenges and failures from this year?
• Do you know why your student leaders return?

 

Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below.  Thanks!