College Union

Through a series of brief, blog-like articles, I want to highlight a few guiding principles of student leadership development. At least in my mind, these are some of the whys behind the whats, principles providing foundation for practice. Call these student leadership development undercurrents, maxims that focus our efforts and move us in a steady, consistent direction.

Undercurrent #1: Students reach students. There was a time when I thought that it was my job to reach students on campus. At some point I realized how ridiculous that was. I am on the periphery of their world. I don’t share a 150 square foot, stinky dorm room with someone I don’t like. I don’t have problems with my roommate (my wife may disagree). I don’t live in a Greek house, in a cramped apartment, or in high-maintenance rental property (been there, done that). I’m not majoring in anything or in a major I hate. I don’t go to classes. I’m not seeking scholarships or financial aid. I’m not trying to find a job to make ends meet. I don’t feel constant pressure to drink and party. I don’t paint my body with team colors and half-nakedly scream my head off at football games. I’m not trying to find a date for Friday night. I could go on, but suffice it say, I’m old—at least from a student perspective.

I understand that world, but students are in that world. There’s a difference. My mission is to develop students to reach students in their context. My job is to help students become themselves in Christ as Christ becomes himself in them. My job is to love and lead them in the ways I want them to love and lead others. My job is to equip them (to give them the equipment) for works of God’s kingdom on the college campus (and beyond). Much more efficient and effective, don’t you think?

The more I pour into them, the more they pour into their peers—and God’s kingdom advances on campus in a much greater collective multiple influence than me flying solo. Limited is my reach alone. Limitless is our reach together.

So, to me the main question for undercurrent #1 one is this: How can we develop students in their discipleship/leadership so they will partner with God to represent Christ’s life-renewing presence, power, and purposes within the campus culture?

What do you think?

More to come.

Categories: Student Leadership
Tags: student leadership