We took a handful of students to Doug Fields’ student leadership conference (#SLC2012) at Azusa Pacific University. I knew it would be great for our ministry because I went last year, and nothing Doug does is ever second best. I had high expectations, but I wasn’t prepared for how great it was. Honestly, I was blown away by what our students “took away” from the conference. If you missed that post, you can read about that here.
After the conference, before we got in the vans and drove home, we gathered up to debrief.
A big part of our discussion creating a picture of what a leader ought to “look like.” Here’s what our students said:
- a leader ought to be a good role model
- passionate about their faith
- friendly and accepting
- compassionate
- servant
- able to listen
- not hypocritical
- humble
- willing to hang after church…invested in the ministry
- consistent
- sacrificial
- see needs and meet them without needing to ask permission
- has time to do things
- patience for results
- approachability
- enthusiastic
- fun
- on board where the ministry is headed
- a heart for what they are doing
- someone growing, changing, maturing
- grateful, thankful
- easy going (but NOT apathetic), flexible
- not critical
- accountable
- looks to include others, not cliquey
- someone willing to share their faith
- transparent, honest
- affirming/uplifting
- team player
- a wide range of “different” people
I love this list. I’m sure there are a few key qualities missing, but it’s a great start. What do you think? What would you add to it?
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