Leading Up

By Doug Franklin September 27, 2010

All of us in youth ministry have to know how to lead up. We need to understand we are leading people who are older than us, have more experience and are often in position of leadership above us. So what does it take to lead up?

1. Confidence
We must know how we are wired and gifted so we can confidently lead people. We must also know our values, so we know what is important to us and what is not. Confidence also comes from our calling. If we know God has placed us in our role then we can be confident He has given us all we need to get the job done.

2. Communication
To lead up we need to communicate what our vision is and how we are going to meet the goals of our ministries. I like to think about a 30 second presentation, a 3 minute presentation, and a 30 minute presentation. I have these presentations always ready to when anyone asks me about LeaderTreks, I can answer with vision and competence. Think through how you would communicate your ministry’s vision and mission in this three different formats. Truth is, sometimes all you get is 30 seconds.

3. Completion
You are given permission to lead up when you complete goals. If your ministry is annually meeting its goals people will be open to your leading. If you have a strategy but never complete anything, people will give you more time but be suspicious. If you have no strategy and never meet goals you will be fired. Remember to do your job and complete goals, and people will follow you.