Month: June 2017

Interesting Quote Origin

Share this:
Share

Have you ever had a quote that keeps popping up around you? Something that after hearing the third or fourth time you decide, “okay, I can’t ignore this anymore”?

For me, in 2017, I’ve heard the following C.S. Lewis quote probably half a dozen times:

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.

Except, upon a simple google search, I came to a shocking realization: this is not a C.S. Lewis quote at all! Don’t believe me? How about clicking over to www.cslewis.org and reading for yourself. Read specifically number 2 on the list of quotes misattributed to Lewis.

So, what do we learn from this, aside from (maybe) interesting small talk? Well, obviously, a quote does not have to be from someone famous or influential for it to carry meaning.

So, who gets credit for this quote? You’ll just have to click to see.

Like this? Subscribe here to get 3 Question Leadership posts in your inbox.

Get More Out of Camp, Pt 2

Share this:
Share

On Tuesday, I introduced a concept I’ve stumbled into the past few years at camp: find the gaps in the schedule. Click here for the full article.

Today, I’m going to spend some time explaining how I’ve used our schedule to help grow leaders.

As I mentioned in part 1, our schedule at camp is pretty laid back, and offers quite a few blocks of free time. So, last year, I split our leadership team into two groups and would meet with each group once a day.

While meeting with the group, we had a few repeating questions we knew we would talk about each day, one of which being “how did you pour into someone younger or older than you?”

I am actually pretty big on building relationships across grade levels. We have a smaller group, so it is important for our older kids to understand their influence on younger kids.

But at the same time, last year I had some younger kids on leadership team and I wanted them to learn their responsibility in developing relationship with older kids. Sound strange? It is, but I tried it.

So, imagine my delight when I saw a soon to be senior walking back from water activities with a soon to be 8th grader.

Those “gap” meetings were simple, short, and something I plan to repeat this year. They were a way for me to help teach a new mindset to a group of students.

So, if you’re a Youth Pastor, let me challenge you this summer to make the most of your schedule at camp. Do not try to force anything, but if the opportunity arises, make the most of the schedule gaps you have at camp.

Like this? Subscribe here to get 3 Question Leadership posts in your inbox.

Get More Out of Camp, Pt 1

Share this:
Share

Today I’m going to let you in on a little secret that I’ve learned about developing student leaders. But first, a little context.

As I mentioned last week, this week I am taking a group of teenagers to camp. I love camp. I love the opportunities we have to grow relationships, to learn, to grow closer to Christ, and to get away from distractions.

One thing I’ve learned over the past few years while at camp is there are opportunities to make the most of the schedule.

Let me clarify.

Our schedule is actually pretty laid back. I’m grateful that the people who set the schedule do not have the mentality of “wear them out”, but instead seek to provide a change of pace.

So, for the past few years, I have looked at the schedule and found little gaps that provided an opportunity for me to meet with my student leaders and help them grow. In doing this, I get to take advantage of the camp atmosphere, while at the same time teaching some core principles and ideas to student leaders.

On Thursday, I will explain in a little more detail exactly what I’ve done in those times.

But for today, especially if you’re a youth minister getting ready to go to camp, let me challenge you to make the most of the schedule. Find the gaps and look for ways to further relationships and connections in those times.

Like this? Subscribe here to get 3 Question Leadership posts in your inbox.

A New Adventure

Share this:
Share

Next week a project on which I have been working and dreaming up for the past two years launches–Horizon Leadership Camp.

On Wednesday, I will load vehicles with a group of students going to youth camp with Horizon Camps. While we are there, I have the opportunity to pour into a small group of student leaders with the sole purpose of helping them develop as leaders.

Many of the things I’ve written over the past 4+ months will play a role in what I share, but more than anything I have to say, I am excited about the opportunity to interact and help develop student leaders from a context different than my own students.

Would you like to find out more about Horizon Camp and the Horizon Leadership Camp experience? Click here.

While this is happening, I also have the opportunity to pour into my own students and student leaders as we enter a new chapter in our ministry, and I couldn’t be more excited.

So, what’s the leadership principle or thought in this?

Hard work pays off?

Leaders develop leaders?

Hang in there?

I can force a principle, but the reality of this post is I am excited. Developing leaders and watching students, especially, adventure out of their comfort zones gives me high expectations.

I am so grateful for someone who saw something in me, pursued it, and has helped me grow through it.

So here’s to a new adventure, to HLC 2.0.

 

Like this? Subscribe here to get 3 Question Leadership posts in your inbox.

Learning to Communicate Expectations

Share this:
Share

Along my leadership journey, I have realized I am a thinker. I love pondering. I love dreaming up new ways to do things.

I am not, however, able to efficiently communicate all that I dream up. And in that tension, I face a few problems–specifically, the inability of those around me to read my mind.

Enter the need for today’s thought: Communicate Expectations.

Goals and values only provide motivation when they are communicated to those around me.

Basic standards of behavior only become basic standards when they are communicated.

Success can only be experienced when a picture of success has been presented-a target to aim at.

What does this look like in a youth ministry setting? Set volunteers up to win by letting them know what’s expected.

Equip student leaders by setting forth clear expectations.

Change the existing culture by painting a picture for what could be and what should be.

Communicate what you’re thinking (when it is appropriate) and see the difference it makes.

Like this? Subscribe here to get 3 Question Leadership posts in your inbox.

WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com