Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thoughts on leading volunteers...
I've had many great conversations lately on what it means to be a leader. Specifically in the area of the student ministry, being a leader must be true in actions and not only in title or word. There are many people in "leadership positions" (both in and out of church) that aren't actually leading anyone. Their making decisions, but that's the extent of their influence.
Andy Stanley makes a phenomenal point that as leaders of volunteers, the only authority we have is moral authority. When our "creed" doesn't match our "deed", we lose credibility and ultimately the right to lead.
As a student pastor, I realize there are aspects of my leadership that must be constantly refined and improved upon. I believe each of these is true of any leader, particularly of anyone who leads volunteers. Here are four aspects of leadership that I'm working to further develop.
1. Visioneer. One question I am constantly asking myself is, "How will the vision of our ministry be communicated today?" The large group settings are an easy place to cast vision. I must remember that in the small, unplanned and teachable moments I should be able to weave our vision authentically into what's happening. No vision= no future and no "buy in" from the volunteer leaders.
2. Recruiter. Anyone in leading in student ministry should be able to recruit volunteers. Recruiting happens a variety of ways from announcements, personal relationships and of course other leaders recruiting leaders. Recruiting solid, passionate volunteers is a must if the ministry is going to have an impact in the lives of students.
3. Manager. Am i being a wise steward of our volunteers time and resources? Do I frustrate volunteers by not casting vision and reaffirming their role in our process? Are the people that are "on the bus" in the right seats? As a manager of volunteers, am I managing with efficiency? Are leaders being challenged and exercising their gifts?
4. Cheerleader. Leaders need to hear encouragement. The "wins" and victories must be celebrated both personally and corporately. Leaders need to know that their commitment and contribution are recognized and valuable. They need to know that their investment is making a difference.
Just a few thoughts. Add yours if you got them.
Andy Stanley makes a phenomenal point that as leaders of volunteers, the only authority we have is moral authority. When our "creed" doesn't match our "deed", we lose credibility and ultimately the right to lead.
As a student pastor, I realize there are aspects of my leadership that must be constantly refined and improved upon. I believe each of these is true of any leader, particularly of anyone who leads volunteers. Here are four aspects of leadership that I'm working to further develop.
1. Visioneer. One question I am constantly asking myself is, "How will the vision of our ministry be communicated today?" The large group settings are an easy place to cast vision. I must remember that in the small, unplanned and teachable moments I should be able to weave our vision authentically into what's happening. No vision= no future and no "buy in" from the volunteer leaders.
2. Recruiter. Anyone in leading in student ministry should be able to recruit volunteers. Recruiting happens a variety of ways from announcements, personal relationships and of course other leaders recruiting leaders. Recruiting solid, passionate volunteers is a must if the ministry is going to have an impact in the lives of students.
3. Manager. Am i being a wise steward of our volunteers time and resources? Do I frustrate volunteers by not casting vision and reaffirming their role in our process? Are the people that are "on the bus" in the right seats? As a manager of volunteers, am I managing with efficiency? Are leaders being challenged and exercising their gifts?
4. Cheerleader. Leaders need to hear encouragement. The "wins" and victories must be celebrated both personally and corporately. Leaders need to know that their commitment and contribution are recognized and valuable. They need to know that their investment is making a difference.
Just a few thoughts. Add yours if you got them.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Funny how that works.
This year our student ministries have been adopting local schools. The intent is to resource and encourage the teachers and administrators of the schools where our students attend.
This "adoption" is separate from the Great Commission clubs, First Priorities, that we utilize in public schools. We are willing to literally do physical labor around the school, resource them with paper and anything else possible, including baked goods and coffee for the teachers/faculty. Just as a simple way to show them that God and Cf Students love them and appreciate what they do.
A couple of months ago I approached one of our high schools that many of our students attend. I pitched the idea to them knowing they are by far the toughest school for us to minister to. (even though we do have a First Priority club in the school)
The principal denied us...big time. Not interested. Their school didn't need "resources". I wasn't too surprised, but it bordered on arrogant.
In the last three weeks that school has been rocked by difficult situations. A boy was caught with a gun at school. Another boy from the school lit himself on fire. Two weeks ago two boys from that school were shot walking down the street. (about a mile from our church!) Only one of the boys survived.
Sheph, an intern, was visiting the school last week discussing possibly starting a Bible study for the football team next fall with the coach. Another teacher heard his proposal and asked him and another of our guys to start a group at lunch for "at risk" (read: thug) students. Sheph said he wouldn't lead this group unless he could share the Bible; it's the only thing that brings real change.
The school agreed. Plans are being made.
At this point, the school is looking for help.
We had one idea. God provided another.
This "adoption" is separate from the Great Commission clubs, First Priorities, that we utilize in public schools. We are willing to literally do physical labor around the school, resource them with paper and anything else possible, including baked goods and coffee for the teachers/faculty. Just as a simple way to show them that God and Cf Students love them and appreciate what they do.
A couple of months ago I approached one of our high schools that many of our students attend. I pitched the idea to them knowing they are by far the toughest school for us to minister to. (even though we do have a First Priority club in the school)
The principal denied us...big time. Not interested. Their school didn't need "resources". I wasn't too surprised, but it bordered on arrogant.
In the last three weeks that school has been rocked by difficult situations. A boy was caught with a gun at school. Another boy from the school lit himself on fire. Two weeks ago two boys from that school were shot walking down the street. (about a mile from our church!) Only one of the boys survived.
Sheph, an intern, was visiting the school last week discussing possibly starting a Bible study for the football team next fall with the coach. Another teacher heard his proposal and asked him and another of our guys to start a group at lunch for "at risk" (read: thug) students. Sheph said he wouldn't lead this group unless he could share the Bible; it's the only thing that brings real change.
The school agreed. Plans are being made.
At this point, the school is looking for help.
We had one idea. God provided another.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It's fun watching lives change...
Here's a cool story about these two 8th grade guys...Wendell and Marquez.
Marquez is in my wife Jen's science class at a local public school. His life isn't easy and the details are too many to share. For a fourteen year old, his life has been hard and people to love him have been too few. Jen wanted to reach out to him so she set up Marquez with one of our interns, Shephathiah. Marquez introduced Sheph to his best friend, Wendell.
Sheph started to hang out with both of the guys and soon after they started coming to church. They got plugged in to our Middle School ministry and Sheph continued to meet and share Jesus with them.
A couple of months ago they gave their lives to Christ and they were baptized at our Beach Baptism this last Sunday.
I love to hear stories. I love seeing stories of life change unfold. I also like sharing them...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ignatius
This hillarious video, Ignatius, is highlighting some trends we see in student ministry. When you are ready to kill your student ministry, be more like Ignatius!
Ignatius from travis hawkins on Vimeo.
Ignatius from travis hawkins on Vimeo.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Simple Student Ministry Promo video
The first promotional video for Simple Student Ministry has just been released!
Watch the video! You can preview and even pre-buy the book on Amazon.com!
Watch the video! You can preview and even pre-buy the book on Amazon.com!
Words create worlds.
Words are powerful.
I heard three short phrases this week that spoke volumes to me.
I love you. I miss you. I forgive you.
I heard these words this week at a funeral. The funeral was for two of our Middle School girls and their parents. Their father killed their mother, the two girls and finally himself. These powerful words came from a niece who shared these last words for her uncle who caused the tragedy.
The teachings of Jesus in Luke 6 never seemed so poignant.
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27
I love you. I miss you. I forgive you.
Powerful.
I heard three short phrases this week that spoke volumes to me.
I love you. I miss you. I forgive you.
I heard these words this week at a funeral. The funeral was for two of our Middle School girls and their parents. Their father killed their mother, the two girls and finally himself. These powerful words came from a niece who shared these last words for her uncle who caused the tragedy.
The teachings of Jesus in Luke 6 never seemed so poignant.
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27
I love you. I miss you. I forgive you.
Powerful.
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