One the toughest skills to master in youth ministry is knowing when to challenge a student and when to offer grace. We all know that students grow by going through challenge and by learning the lessons it has to offer. We also know that students who are challenged beyond their limits can be turned off to a relationship with a youth worker. We are walking a thin line, but we do it because we know that if we get it right we can ignite a student’s heart for growth. A couple of things to keep in mind while challenging students.

1. Challenge yourself first
When we have experienced challenge in our own lives, we understand it better and are more prepared to challenge students. At LeaderTreks we put our staff through three challenging trips before we let them challenge students.

2. You can’t challenge a student unless they know you love them
Build strong relationships before you start challenging students. If a student knows you love them, they will follow you through fire.

3. Challenge the heart
We often challenge students to do things they don’t like; how about challenging them through things they like or even love. The problem with most students is not that they don’t try, its that they never put out a complete effort. Challenge the good things they do so that they will be great.