Birkenhead Community Church’s Youth Pastor Alex Pope shares how he believes that training leaders is the key to a successful and vibrant youth group…
“We do a lot in the space of leadership development and training, but I still feel it’s not enough. I believe that training leaders to reach our young people is the key to a successful and vibrant youth group. We see this in Jesus’ life. He intentionally invested in his chosen disciples, teaching them how to live and love from his heart.
“Too often we allow people into leadership without properly training them. We do both the leader and those they lead a disservice. Then we wonder why our leaders aren’t leading with truth, conviction, and grace—resulting in leaders who simply exist for numbers’ sake, or who leave and we’re left dumbfounded, wondering why. I don’t think any amount of training is too much. In fact, the more training you can give your team, the better.
“Each year our leaders attend a leadership training weekend that has been amazing—not only for growing our leaders’ capacity for leadership, but also for strengthening team dynamics and building friendships.
“We also hold pre-and post-youth group meetings, each lasting 30 minutes. These spaces aren’t always specifically geared toward leadership development, but they are valuable times for team connection.
“In the pre-meeting, we go over the night’s plan and small group questions (which are sent out at least two days prior). Sometimes we also include development components, such as discussing listening styles, using resources effectively, and other practical leadership skills.
“The post-youth group meeting is a debrief space where we reflect on what went well and what we could improve.
“Each year we also have a leaders’ night instead of youth group. This is a fun space where we spend time together as a team—whether that’s doing a high ropes course or sharing a meal. The outcome is a stronger, more cohesive team.
“For emerging leaders, we have several intentional leadership development pathways, including attending leadership training and inviting them into positions of responsibility. When doing this, I intentionally match their leadership capacity to the level of influence they are given.
“There are multiple teams within this structure. We have the Youth Leadership Team, and we also have a Youth Vision Team that meets every six months to discuss what events went well and what we would like to do moving forward. (Sometimes those plans happen, sometimes they don’t.) This allows even those who don’t want to be the public ‘face’ of the ministry to have an active leadership role. We also have a clean-up crew—because service is a powerful way to build leaders.
“For those we identify as having strong leadership potential, we invite them into a 12-month mentorship with an older Christian from within the church. I personally hand-pick these mentors because I want someone who will stretch and challenge the young person. These relationships have worked really well, and many continue meeting regularly with their mentor long after the formal period ends.”Twice each term, we also host a Youth Takeover Night. Young people with leadership potential will preach or plan what the youth group will do that evening. I am still heavily involved in the process, but it has been a fantastic leadership development opportunity.
“Overall, we are deeply committed to building leaders intentionally—and while we already do a lot, I believe there is always room to grow.”
