Layers of Leadership

For those of us in college ministry, the idea of equipping and developing young people for a life of following Christ is central to what we do.

Some of us have recognized the need for additional leadership in our attempts to reach our campuses - and found an answer in some of our students who really 'get it' - a willing army of moldable young leaders.  We've seen how this kind of experience for them can serve to shape them in some profound ways, while at the same time, multiply our efforts and reach across the campus.

I wonder, however, how many of us have looked into the additional layer of leadership that can be provided by recent grads and/or graduate students.  

My entry into the 'professional' side of college ministry came through a graduate assistant type of opportunity.  It was a great opportunity for me, right out of college, to explore my sense of calling into ministry - and specifically in a college campus context.

If this is not a layer of leadership you've ever considered, let me give you a few reasons why I think you should consider finding space in your ministry leadership for a graduate assistant or intern:

Is Graduation Really the End?

They're done, but not gone.  


They're college graduates - prepared and equipped to go out and make a difference in the world - but they don't seem quite ready to step across that threshold from collegiate life to post-grad participation in the 'real' world.

So what are we to do?  Especially if they look to us for answers... or for space to 'hide-out' while they try to figure some things out.

Do we give them a firm, but gentle, nudge out of the proverbial 'nest;' OR do we allow them to hang around for a while?

Partnering with Former Students

Have you ever thought about working with former students? Wait, maybe 'partnership' is a better way of thinking about it...

Have you ever partnered with former students that you once spent time, energy and effort investing in?

Maybe it was an initiative on campus... or something that took place on the other side of the world? Possibly a one time event... or maybe it was something that was ongoing over the course of a semester or year?

Partnering with alumni from your ministry [be it your present ministry location or one from your past] can be a powerful experience for everyone involved.

For your current students experiences like this can serve as a visual for what someone 'on the other side' of graduation, from both college and your ministry, can turn out like. It can also help them to understand the importance of being committed to your relationship and personal discipleship. Experiencing a partnership like this can serve as a powerful motivation for students who may be struggling with their:

• faith
• vocation
• motivation levels
• desire to graduate
• fears about the future
• among others, I'm sure...

Experiencing a young professional who is 'making it' and who is also willing to 'give back' to you and your ministry efforts can go a long way to strengthen a wide variety of commitments.

For the former student/now partner an opportunity like this can serve as an incredible encouragement to them in that it speaks to:

• your commitment to your relationship with them
• your belief in them
• your belief in their current work
• your belief that this individual is worthy of providing leadership to your group

Opportunities like this, for former students to 'give back' to something that has been an important part of their life, as well as to receive a gift in reconnecting with a piece of their past can be significant! You never really know how God might choose to use an experience like this for them!

And for YOU, the minister/pastor-type, a partnership like this can be the kind of thing that God uses to:

• remind you of how He has worked in the past
• encourage you in your current work
• validate your sense of calling
• strengthen ties with students - past and present
• give you visions of future work

Yes, choosing to partner with students from your past can be a very beneficial thing... for everyone involved!