I think there are two types of people in the world: those who have a plan before starting something, and those who build the plan as they go along. Maybe it’s more of a pendulum arc, where the you are somewhere on the swing of the pendulum, but it’s possible …
wes 
Reframing Student Leadership
I saw a youth ministry related facebook post the other day asking how the collective hive mind selects student leaders. I think this is an extremely legitimate question, but one that needs a quick reframing. Let me start by zooming out. The bottom line when it comes to leadership development …
3 Observations about Developing Student Leaders
Last week I got to spend time at camp with a group of six student leaders. For the last three summers, I have helped develop and grow what we call the Horizon Leadership Camp (HLC). The concept is simple: when a church group comes to camp, they have the option …
Leadership & Relationship
This morning I found a journal that was given to me almost 17 years ago. In it were notes written from youth group members of my home church. The words were encouraging, hopeful (stay in touch!), and affirming, even 17 years later. As I was reading their words, I was …
The Difference Maker
Willingness makes the difference in leadership. I have written about this before, but like so many leadership lessons, I keep seeing it played out time and again. Give me two kids: one with natural leadership ability and little desire to make a positive impact, and one with lower natural leadership …