What is a leader? We asked the participants in our newest Youth Leadership Symposium cohort this question and got a lot of great answers. Before you read further, pause and ask yourself, “What is a leader?” How do you answer that seemingly simple question?
Now that you have done your homework, here are some answers from our high school students:
- Works with others.
- Believes in what they are doing, inspires others, and builds trust.
- Cares about and advocates for others.
- Guides others to their greatest potential.
- Listens and understands what is needed.
- Recognizes and nurtures their own gifts and the gifts of others.
- Inspires and empowers.
- Shows others how to take action
- Gives courage when it’s lacking and encourages everyone to do their best.
- Takes the initiative and shows others the way.
- Turns their vision into reality through communication and partnership.
- Lives and steps up through God to show other people faith.
If you put all this together, you have an in-depth image of leadership, why it is so exhausting, and why it is so important. If you put all this together you also have a definition of leadership that someone will say is still lacking.
Each call to lead is unique and each person who takes on the mantle of responsibility – by choice or circumstance – has their own distinct set of gifts and style of leading. Throughout the history of God’s people, we have seen some powerful examples of leaders. From Esther organizing a prayerful fast to Dr. King and the Freedom Rides, we have seen the power of leaders who rise to meet a moment. Some may have seemed made for the role, with the right voice and a pedigree to go with it. Others may have been a surprise to the world and even to themselves. There is no formula for a “perfect leader”.
Through the Youth Leadership Symposium, we have witnessed the power of young leaders sharing their gifts and honing their skills. We have prepared them with information on how local church polity works, even having them read and reflect on their congregation’s bylaws. We have helped them name and claim their own gifts and style. We have introduced them to leaders from across the life of our church. Yes, we are equipping them. Still, there are moments when we see the gifts of young leaders rise to meet moments we could not have planned or foreseen.
In 2024, Sam Dolan was one of our quieter YLS participants. He had a vision for a “pollinator garden” at his church. The catch was, they rented the building from another congregation. Sam had to go through two church boards and watch his vision of a “meadow” style garden get whittled down to using landscaping space. Undeterred, Sam planted. He also noticed some issues in the brick work of the building and added that to the scope of his project. When Sam finished, two churches were in closer communication, the physical building was strengthened, and Sam helped address an environmental issue with the decline of the bee population. Even more amazing, the two churches were not done. They started talking to Sam about what more they might all do together.
What is a leader? Sam.
Nolan McDonald was one of more social participants last year and had lots of creativity. He put those gifts to work by designing graphic art images to represent organizations his Church had supported over the years. Part of the YLS curriculum is the importance of intergenerational ministry. Nolan reflected this in his project as he invited all generations of his church to come together and help complete the art. He made space for each person to add their own flare while maintaining the look and style of the set. In the end, Nolan presented three organizations with large banners from the church, celebrating their shared history. Along the way, he found the path from creativity to community and helped the church build new relationships for the future.
What is a leader? Nolan.
This year’s YLS cohort has seventeen students from all across the life of our church. They are bringing project ideas that inspire and an energy that is infectious. They are coming in with curiosity and a willingness to learn. In our February gathering on Zoom, each student got to interview two adult leaders from the wider life of our church. From local pastors to General Church staff, to business leaders, theologians, and writers, our students got to ask questions of some great leaders. When they reconvened, it was the adults, as much as the students, who were grateful for the opportunity. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the next year, and to see how they grow as leaders.
In every church, in every community, there are leaders waiting to be found.
In every time and place, there are leaders who don’t even know their potential.
There are Miriams, protecting younger siblings.
There are Josephs, ruffling feathers while learning to lead.
There are Samuels, wondering why they spend more time at church than everyone else.
There are unnamed youth offering their gifts in the face of insurmountable need.
And these are just a few examples from scripture.
In your own life, and in your community, you are making a difference.
In this time and in this world, you have potential to make a profound difference.
What is a leader? (Insert your name here)