This article about student leadership I wrote a few days ago is now up on Pastors.com. Here’s a clip:

One of the highlights from last summer was seeing students gather at Saddleback Church’s campus and learn about student leadership. As we prepare for this summer’s conference, I began to think about a few principles to help your students succeed in leadership.

It all starts with discovering a student’s passion. You might use a S.H.A.P.E. test or something official, or maybe you just sit down over Starbucks and ask them questions so they can naturally discover how God has uniquely created them. Either way, finding a “fit” is key.

Then make sure they have the margin to fulfill the commitment. Are you asking a student who is already overcommitted? Make sure you know how much they are already involved inside and outside the church ministry. Help them figure out what matters most in life, and learn to say no.

JG