TEEN MINISTRY #3: Discipling Teens & Leaders

The conversation centered around the importance of building genuine relationships, practicing vulnerability, and modeling servant leadership in nurturing effective youth leaders. Speakers emphasized the need for leaders to set a good example, be real and relational, and prioritize community and joy. They also stressed the importance of providing clear vision and goals, equipping and empowering leaders, and seeking God’s guidance in youth ministry. Personal experiences and struggles were shared, highlighting the importance of viewing ministry as a comprehensive aspect of one’s being.

Action Items

• [ ] Schedule recurring one-on-one meetings between leaders on a monthly basis to build close relationships.
• [ ] Implement practical equipping activities like seminars and conferences for youth leaders.
• [ ] Continue empowering leaders to succeed and fail by teaching them how to learn from mistakes.
• [ ] Make prayer for leaders a consistent priority.
• [ ] Pursue mentoring relationships from experienced youth pastors. (Speaker 5, Emily advises new leaders)

Outline

Discipling leaders in youth ministry, emphasizing leading by example.

• Discipling leaders in youth ministry requires establishing processes for growth and development.
• Leaders should lead by example, as no one wants to follow where they’re not willing to go.
• Discipling other leaders requires setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, as per First Timothy 4:12.

Leadership integrity, humility, and continued growth.

• Speaker reflects on 29 years of walking with God and striving to grow in wisdom and integrity.
• Leader acknowledges potential for complacency among initial church leaders, emphasizing the need for continued growth and humility.
• Ashley shares her personal story of leadership and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with words.
• She encourages leaders to be mindful of their example and not lead where they are not willing to go.

Leading by example and setting a vision for the church.

• Speaker emphasizes importance of servant leadership, modeling Christ’s example of selfless service.
• Leading by example sets a high bar for leaders, making justifications of exceptions unnecessary.
• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision statement for the church.
• The vision statement is referenced throughout the meeting to guide decision-making and actions.

Equipping and empowering leaders through vision casting, proximity, and delegation.

• Speaker 2 seeks to contribute to group’s vision and goals despite feeling uncreative.
• Leaders must equip and empower others through proximity and delegation.

Discipling youth leaders, being real and relational, and offering support.

• Speaker 2 shares insights on discipling young leaders, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and personal growth.
• Speaker 2 reflects on the challenges of starting a youth ministry without mentorship or support, wishing for someone to offer guidance and encouragement.
• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of being real, relational, and encouraging in discipling leaders.
• Leaders are human and need support, especially in complicated situations like family and parenting.
• Speaker 2 and RJ are now in a place where they can offer help and support to younger leaders based on their own experiences.

The importance of relational leadership in youth ministry.

• Speaker 1 highlights the importance of real friendships in ministry, citing their closest friends as leaders they empower and equip.
• Speaker 2 reflects on the challenges of leading as a team, emphasizing the value of having someone to turn to for support when facing difficult times.
• Speaker reflects on watching friend die in hospital, finding joy in memories and support from others.
• Leader encourages listeners to prioritize joy and laughter in leadership, citing biblical examples.
• Speaker emphasizes importance of having fun together as a group, even in difficult times.

How four individuals came into leadership roles in a high school ministry, sharing their personal experiences and motivations.

• Speaker 1 encourages prayer for leaders, citing James 5:16.
• Group of young leaders share their experiences and perspectives on leadership.
• Speaker 2 shared how they entered youth ministry leadership, feeling “okay” without it being a priority.
• Speaker 3 and their partner Jess were asked to step in after a need arose, despite personal challenges.
• Four individuals share their experiences volunteering for a high school ministry, with themes of empathy, leadership, and personal growth.

Servant leadership and joyful service in youth ministry.

• Speaker 4 emphasized the importance of equipping and empowering leaders, and learning how to disciple people.
• Speaker 4 shared how they went through material and learned from different leaders, and how they were able to call or text for answers in different situations.
• Speaker 4 expresses self-doubt and fear of not being good enough, while Speaker 6 highlights the joy and fullness of serving others with a servant leadership mindset.

Supporting youth leaders with vision, goals, and encouragement.

• Speakers emphasize the importance of equipping and empowering youth leaders with clear vision and goals.
• Speaker 3 shares their vision for reaching kids in schools with God’s love and community.
• Speaker 2 advises other leaders to dream big and pass along their experiences to others.

Youth ministry leadership and relationships.

• Pursue mentors in youth ministry with heart and intentionality.
• Speaker 5 emphasizes the importance of viewing ministry as an integral part of daily life, rather than just a separate aspect.
• Speaker 5 struggles with balancing different aspects of life, including family, job, and ministry, and seeks to prioritize ministry as a whole life commitment.
• Speaker 4 suggests involving the church body in discipleship and ministry, and seeking to build relationships with parents and other leaders.
• Speaker 3 advises being goofy and relatable, and not being afraid to get out of oneself to show others how to get up.

This content was featured at the 2024 Antioch Collective Annual Assembly at The Crossings Church St. Charles County in O’Fallon, MO. For more like this, visit https://antiochcollective.org/