As the school year draws to a close most groups will be looking to elect new student leaders. Having the right student leaders in place is a big factor in determining whether or not your ministry will be successful each year. While in most groups the leaders are elected, I think it’s important to set a criteria for who is eligible to serve in a student leadership position.
Steve Shadrach, founder of Student Mobilization, The Traveling Team, the Bodybuilders ministry, and author of The Fuel and the Flame, uses the acronym F-A-I-T-H when considering someone for a leadership position. As you search for new leaders there are some important ingredients that you can look for. If you’re a student reading this who aspires to be a leader in your group the following points can serve as a blueprint for what makes a good leader.
Faithful – This is someone who is reliable and dependable. When you ask them to meet you at 7 PM they show up on time or even early. If they are asked to help with a project you know that they will do their part and do it well. A good question to ask when considering this point is, “Are they regularly on time and prepared?”
Available – When we look for leaders we need people who are available to help with the things that need to be done. So, ask yourself, “Has this person already filled up their schedule?” If so, are they willing to make changes to accommodate being a leader? Are they willing to be flexible when things come up? People who generally make good leaders have a tendency to get involved in many things. Consider if someone is willing to make the campus ministry a priority over other commitments.
Initiative – You can encourage someone to get out there and do something until you’re blue in the face, but if they don’t have initiative then nothing will ever get done. Look for students in your group who not only suggest ideas, but then take the initiative to get the process started. A question to help determine this quality is, “Is this person a self-starter or do they need a kick in the pants to get going?”
Teachable – If someone doesn’t have an open heart and willingness to learn their attitude can effect those around them. Student leaders don’t go into the position knowing all there is to know about campus ministry and will certainly need some on the job training. Are your prospective leaders open to learning? How do they receive correction when an issue arises? Would you consider them approachable?
Heart for God and People – There are those who fit all of the first 4 categories listed above, but if they don’t have a heart that seeks after God and loves people they will not make good student leaders. Even if the students you have are not outgoing do they have a genuine love for those around them? Are they regularly spending time with the Lord?
[blockquote]All of the first four points would qualify someone to be a leader in any other campus group, but when it comes to ministry we need those who are spiritually qualified as well.[/blockquote]
I would encourage you to seek out and prayerfully consider who in your group fits the F-A-I-T-H acronym. Having solid, Godly student leaders in place makes all the difference in seeing your campus reached for Christ.
While this is not an exhaustive list, I think it’s a good place to start. Do you have any other characteristics you look for in student leaders?