The Value of a Healthy Youth Leader: Student Perspectives

We are looking at the value of a healthy youth leader. What are the most important characteristic traits of a healthy youth leader?

I believe there are important traits that make up a healthy youth leader. Over the past few weeks we have heard from youth leaders on their ideas and thoughts about healthy youth leaders, and, this week we are going to hear from students.

I asked 4 teenagers what the most important characteristics are for a healthy youth leader. Here are their thoughts.

Humility

The most important quality is a humble youth leader. One who is willing to admit that they are wrong and who is still able to learn from students.

It takes humility as a leader to learn from somebody younger than you. But I believe there’s such great value in learning from the backgrounds, the stories, and the experiences of another person. No matter how young or old they are.

Integrity

Who are you behind closed doors? It’s easy to project a persona or a reputation publicly, but, who are you when nobody is looking?

Are you only ‘on’ in a large group? What about the times when you are in a smaller group? Students want to see us following God closely and having integrity every where we go. Not just in the youth setting at church. What are you like at home or when you are not at the church? These are the important kind of things students are looking for. Integrity and consistency.

We need to see youth leaders who do not simply love the platform, but, they love the people!

Passion

Students want a youth leader who is passionate about God and passionate about youth.

I believe that the more time you spend with teenagers the longer you will be in youth ministry. It’s really simple. Learning to love the people and not just the ministry.

The time we spend with teenagers is the key to our longevity as youth leaders. I’ve heard so many students, talk about how it’s easier to receive from a youth pastor who is passionate about their work. Students need to know that we love what we do. They can sense the frustration and they can sense the distance.

Genuineness 

It is easier to listen to somebody who is loving and shows that they care. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Students are looking for leaders who are genuine and not trying to put on a show. Students really don’t care about how many followers you have, how many people comment on your post, or whether you portray the right social media image.

When is the last time you cried for a teenager? Not cried because of a teenager, but, when you actually cried for a teenager and their situation.

Empathy is one of the most important traits of unconditional love in a young persons life!

Finally 

Listening to teenagers is an education to me.

I learn so much when I sit back and listen to them. Especially when they talk about the impact that I can have on their life. Here are some great traits that each of us as youth leaders must take seriously. If we are going to see healthy youth ministry, we need healthy youth leaders.

Healthy youth leaders create healthy youth ministries that build healthy students who ultimately create healthy societies!