Training leaders can be one of the most daunting tasks for youth groups. The fast-paced transitions from middle school to high school to college can often result in dead spots in campus ministry leadership.
Next-generation thinking is of great and immediate priority to many youth groups of churches, and when we are not proactive in training the next batch of leaders it will only be a matter of time until the whole ministry feels it. Youth leaders are left with the challenge of raising more next-generation worship leaders, discipleship coaches, prayer warriors and preachers.
But of course, no youth leader or youth pastor will want to carelessly pull out leaders just so that a ministry won't run out of quality leaders. It just doesn't work that way.
Is there a biblical system that we can follow in identifying leaders? Paul left a very effective system of training leaders which he passed on to Timothy in one of his epistles written to the young pastor, who also felt an urgency to quickly identify and train church leaders.
Although 1 Timothy Chapter 3 is given as a set of guidelines for identifying local church ministers, the principles do not differ from volunteer youth group leaders. Here are four things to spot in potential youth group leaders.
1. Character
1 Timothy 3:1-2 says, "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach..." Character is the foundation of every leader. When youth group leaders spot strong integrity and good attitude, that's a sign of a potential next-generation leader.
2. Competence
Though skills are not as important as character, God places a very high value on talent. While talent can be taught, the passion for a certain skill cannot.
Finding that passion in students and directing them to something they can enjoy and that can help the youth group flourish is a make or break step. Is your potential leader "able to teach," (v.2) able to lead worship or able to lead small groups?
3. Chemistry
Paul places very high emphasis on leaders who are "not quarrelsome" (v.2) because relationship chemistry is important to team dynamics. Some leaders may have the character and competence, but the chemistry may not be present. That doesn't make them bad leaders. It just means that they are leaders called to lead in other avenues apart from your youth group.
4. Compassion
Many potential youth leaders have the skill and character but do not have the heart for the works of ministry. God is looking for leaders who will lead not just with their heads but with their hearts as well.
