GROWTH NEVER STOPS

One of the challenges of leadership is not growing stagnant while leading and serving in our local church.  It is easy to hold on to pastor success, hit cruise control, and just repeat the successes of each year, not allowing ourselves to grow and be stretched.  Growth never ends because leadership never stops.

We must guard our hearts and attitudes from feeling that we have arrived, or that we have things all figured out.  We must find ways to continue growing, and connecting with others who share our same passion of reaching students.

As we continue to lead, I want to personally challenge you in two key leadership areas, that I too, am making a priority:

1. Maintain A Learning Posture

The challenge to remain teachable is not easy and will require a determination. The learning posture that I desire begins with my personal relationship with God. We all understand that those who constantly give, need to receive. Beginning with our relationship with God, leadership resources (podcasts, blogs, books, websites, e-mails, magazines, and more), mentors-personal & non-personal will all sustain longevity in leadership and ministry. Maintaining a learning posture will add great value to your leadership abilities.

2. Build Healthy Relational Networks

If you have been in ministry longer than one week, you would understand that ministry can be isolating. The need for healthy relational networks will not only sustain longevity in leadership and ministry, but will establish the necessary foundation that will overcome the daily obstacles leaders face. Building healthy networks within your section and fostering cooperative relationships with local Pastors within your city, will add strength to your leadership DNA.

As you consider personal growth and connecting with others, take a few minutes to think through how you can accomplish these things over the next weeks and months.  None of these things just happen, but we must be planned and intentional in our efforts to grow and connect.

As we grow and connect, our students will grow because of our efforts to become better leaders.

Abe Daniel

NCN Student Ministries Director