Leading From The Chest

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. — C.S. Lewis

There is a man who runs through my neighborhood who makes me think of the 80s song, "Take On Me". Every time he runs by, we rush to the windows and sing the song. It might be that his pace matches the tempo of the song, or his general 80s vibe as he runs, or both, but it's an event every time he runs by the Parker's house. His long, dark hair flows behind him, usually shirtless and with short running shorts, he runs with his head back, his chest out, and I imagine he can run for days without wearing out.

Since my years running cross country, I've been more tuned into the running styles of the people I observe on the street. My coaches always encouraged balance, shoulders back, chest out, spine straight, head level, feet under. I have found that balance in my running form helps me to run longer, faster, with less effort.

And that makes me think of Student Ministry. How can leaders lead longer, better, without getting burned out and making the maximum impact?

In my observation over 20+ years of experience in Student Ministry, Student Ministry leaders generally tend toward one of these styles of leadership:

Leading from the feet: Always interested in the newest technology, the latest methodology, the hottest bands, and the most relevant new curriculum, these leaders are early adopters who place their highest value on the latest trends.

Leading from the head: Always ready for a good argument about the minutia of challenging doctrine and always critical of the local pastor’s last sermon, these leaders are heavy on doctrine and the intellectual pursuit of Scripture. Their highest value is knowing the right answers.

Leading from the belly: Always going with the flow, never rocking the boat, and always falling in line with the pastor’s approach without advancing ideas of their own, these leaders are primarily interested in conformity. Their highest value is keeping their jobs.

Every Student Pastor I’ve ever known (including me!) tends toward one of these approaches to ministry. But there is a better way.

Leading from the chest is keeping all of these in balance and leading a student ministry with courage. Courageous leaders recognize the value of new technology and are aware of the best new curriculum and methods, but are not consumed or driven by them. Courageous leaders are always seeking to understand the deepest doctrines of the Christian faith and to know God more deeply but don’t communicate over the heads of their students and don’t develop a critical spirit. Courageous leaders understand the necessity and value of submission to leadership, but keep their voice and speak up when leaders stifle the advancement of the gospel through new and creative means.

When we keep balance in this way, we are able to focus on those things which are most important in ministry without giving up the things that make it fun and meaningful (and without losing your job!) But we must lead with courage when the church down the street is doing all the coolest new things or your church leadership has some legalistic expectations. We must lead with courage to set a course for ministry and see it through, even when some don’t understand and you, the leader, receive criticism.

Stay strong. Be courageous. Lead with balance and integrity.