Youth Ministry Idea #2

Learning to see weaknesses has to be something youth pastors need become good at.

“A good leader knows where he/she isn’t good” That’s my quote (or at least I’ve never heard anyone else say it) and you are welcome to use it. 

We know we need to use our strengths in teaching, discipleship, training, recruiting, etc to allow our ministries to continue to be a place of health for students to encounter Jesus in a real way.  However, if we have weakness or our weakness have created a lack of health in our ministries we are leading we need to be able to spot them.

I know my leadership weaknesses.  I know that I need to find others who are gifted in my areas of weaknesses to be able to serve and help our ministry.  As the key leader if I try to lead from places of weakness I can harm the ministry and even stand in God’s way.  Remember Saul and his moments of weakness as king of Israel…yeah I don’t want that to be me.

So how do you know where areas are weak or where you are weak?

1-   If you are new to ministry this may be a frustrating road.  Most people know their weaknesses from their strengths by practicing, practicing, practicing and then seeing results.  However, it is true that your strengths will energize you and your weakness can drain or frustrate you.  Use a blank white board & list out all you do in a day, week & then a year.  Evaluate what strengthens you & drains you.  This may be a good place to start from.

2-   Ask yourself what is “missing” from your ministry.  Is it healthy culture of evangelism, discipleship training, adult leader equipping or whatever else?  If it is missing & it isn’t a passion of yours then it might be a weakness.  Many people push weakness areas of leading to the end of a “to-do” list instead of the forefront.

3-   Be ok leading from where you are at and how you are wired.  I quit trying to fix every weakness along time ago and just wanted to lead from how I am wired.  For example: I can’t lead worship nor do I think it is a critical aspect of student ministry, however I know how visceral worship through music can be for students.  For each ministry season or setting I have prayed and searched for someone who has a passion for worship.  When I find them, I empower them to lead and allow our ministry to be healthier because I got out of the way.

I think finding or discovering your weaknesses can be enjoying because it can give you a sense of freedom of not trying to be the leader you aren’t.  It also allows you the share the load of ministry with others while seeing health come to the lives of students through your ministry setting!