TLH140: Developing Student Leaders in Youth Ministry—Best Practices for Impact

In this episode, Jody and Doug Franklin explore the intricacies of student leadership and the importance of developing leadership skills among youth. Doug shares his journey in youth ministry, emphasizing the need for leadership development resources and the significance of understanding each student’s unique gifts and wiring.

They discuss the process of leadership development, the role of empathy, and the common mistakes youth workers make in fostering leadership in their ministries. Doug advocates for a holistic approach to leadership that includes understanding one’s mission and the importance of serving others.

Doug shares insights on developing student leaders in youth ministry. He emphasizes the importance of creating effective training plans, understanding the different zones of experience (comfort, growth, panic), and the need for clear expectations. Doug advocates for a model of leadership labs over traditional leadership teams, highlighting the benefits of personalized mentorship and addressing favoritism in leadership development. He also discusses the significance of long-term investment in students and recognizing potential in those who may not fit the typical mold of a leader.

LINKS MENTIONED:

LeaderTreks.org

DeepDiscipleship.com

Re-imagine Student Leadership eBook

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Doug Franklin’s Contact Information:

• • Email: Doug@LeaderTreks.com
  • Facebook Messenger: Available for direct contact

LeaderTreks Refuel Retreats: Three-day intensive retreats on discipleship and leadership development, held across the country.

JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP!

Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group

GET COACHING:

The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

TAKEAWAYS:

• Leadership development is a process, not a one-time event.
• Every student has the potential to be a leader.
• Understanding one’s unique gifts is crucial for leadership.
• Empathy is essential for effective leadership.
• Leadership principles can be learned and applied by all students.
• Students value service and impact over traditional leadership roles.
• Burden, passion, and vision are key to discovering one’s mission.
• Building relationships is foundational in leadership development.
• Natural leaders often exhibit disruptive behavior that can be redirected positively.
• Common mistakes include failing to provide actionable steps after assessments.
• Youth workers often neglect the training component for student leaders.
• There are three zones of experience: comfort, growth, and panic.
• The growth zone is where students rely on God and their team.
• Clear expectations are crucial for student leadership roles.
• Transformational leadership development requires principles, experiences, and debriefing.
• Leadership labs are more effective than traditional leadership teams.
• Favoritism can be mitigated by combining students who don’t know each other.
• Identifying leadership potential in troubled students is essential.
• Long-term investment in students can yield unexpected results.
• Investing in students who are often overlooked can lead to significant growth.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Student Leadership
02:57 Doug Franklin’s Journey in Youth Ministry
06:02 The Importance of Leadership Development
09:00 Starting Leadership Development with Students
12:13 Understanding Unique Gifts and Mission
15:02 Natural Leadership vs. Learned Leadership
17:55 Empathy in Leadership
20:49 Common Mistakes in Youth Leadership Development
22:39 Creating Effective Training Plans for Student Leaders
24:07 Understanding Comfort, Growth, and Panic Zones
27:27 The Importance of Clear Expectations in Leadership
28:41 Principles, Experiences, and Debriefing in Leadership Development
29:52 The Concept of Leadership Labs vs. Leadership Teams
33:39 Addressing Favoritism in Leadership Development
36:23 Identifying Leadership Potential in Troubled Students
40:12 The Power of Long-Term Investment in Students