If You Hear Them, You Can Lead Them

As a teen author and college small group leader, I often get to talk about what it is like to be a leader for the next generation. I love talking about it- because I think getting to lead younger Christians is one of the highlights of leadership.

But for lots of us, there is fear. I know it.

Sometime between being a teenager and right now, that age kid (that you used to be) got to be a little intimidating. Leading them feels daunting and pressure-y (that's a trendy word, go with it). Maybe it's that we don't trust our own advice because we were pretty terrible at being a teen (that would be me) or maybe the world just seems like a rougher place than fill-in-the-blank years ago (it probably is). Whatever the reason, it stops many of us in our tracks towards stepping into the lives of young adults and helping lead them.

And I'm not talking about leading games at youth group. I'm talking about real life decision making trajectory altering leadership.

You know what I think? I think the enemy wants you to believe you can't lead the next generation like that. He's working hard to stop them- just look at the television and hear of the pressures on these students- and you'll know that there is a war raging to silence them from changing the world for Christ. One way he can slow their progress is by leaving them without mentors.

But. For those of us who ignore the enemy's lies and buy into the truth, to mentoring and leading the next generation, we are gonna have front row seats to the greatest acts of service and valor and heart that will bring God much much fame. I really believe that.

It's not free for us, or for them, but it will be worth it.

And how do we lead them?

I don't know much (neither does Aaron Neville. You.Are.Welcome), but I know one thing about leading students well: all you have to do is listen.

They know where they want to go, y'all. They do. God has placed dreams in many of their hearts. They just need us to point out the path and give wisdom in moments when the path gets wonky or dark or unexpectedly turns.

I sat at a burrito restaurant here in Nashville with another leader and two students from our college ministry. One boy, one girl, both seniors, I asked them what they wanted for this year- most likely their last in our town. They both had some hopes for who they want to be before May, for how they want this school year to be shaped- both school wise and spiritually.

In that one conversation, over chips, tacos, and fruit tea, they told me exactly how to lead. They said, in different words, exactly what they needed.

She wants more opportunities to impact her campus. So we'll talk about what that could look like and I'll challenge her to step out of her comfort zone.

He wants to live this year without fear and anxiety about his future. So I'll lean into him as the preacher speaks Sunday on fear and trusting God and whisper, "man, this is for you, huh?"

I don't have many/all/enough answers for the things that break the hearts of young adults or to know how to lead and help in every situation. But leadership doesn't require all the answers (parenting does, right?). Leading the next generation simply means that you listen to them, get in their space and their lives and ask what's stirring on the inside. Don't get me wrong- leading students should not be done lightly, without seeking God's wisdom or help. But it doesn't have to be something you fear or shy away from or worry about. Leading them is listening to them is loving them is sharing life with them. And introducing them to delicious burritos.

And there, in those conversations over burritos, your listening ear and open heart make you the exact leader that your students need.

And you, my friend, have a front row seat. I'll meet you there.