GUEST POST: 4 Things to Know as a Trip Leader

on August 20th, 2009

Recently I took 20 high school students and 4 other adult leaders on a trip to New York City. It was amazing to see what God did in this group of students, and how He is using this small cross-section of our student boy to affect the other students.
I’ve always thought that my job is to facilitate environments where God can show off, but was finally able this last trip to put some basic thoughts to what a “leader” should realize as they lead.



#1… You have to know everything, and nothing at the same time.

Sounds absurd I know, but the paradox is an intricate balance that is necessary. Someone has to know where you’re going and what’s going on and when it’s going on and that person is YOU if you are THE leader of a trip. At the same time you have to be humble enough in your own heart to realize that you don’t know everything. You don’t know what’s happening inside everyone’s heart. You don’t know that this kid is acting funny because it’s his first time away from home, and he needs his blankey, but can’t say that… so he’s acting like a jerk.



#2… The smallest thing can bond people.
The thought is basically this: something as basic as the fart app on your iPhone can create a moment in time where a group of students bond with a leader. So, if we don’t take chances with ourselves, put ourselves out there to potentially look foolish… if we do nothing… we can unknowingly assist in keeping them apart.



#3… Be Decisive not a dictator.
Everyone on a trip wants and needs a leader. There will come a time when there will be decisions that need to be made. Something has changed, or needs to change from the agenda and everyone will look to you to lead. In that moment, be decisive. There will be other times that everyone needs to be a part of the decision and they don’t need you to chime in… don’t be a dictator and inflict your will on everyone. The difference is slight, but necessary.



#4… Lastly… remember you’re not the leader.

I know it may sound cheesy, but if your trip has a God purpose… let Him lead. Learn the art of over praying and not over planning.



John Harney a student pastor who Twitters at @jheezy and blogs http://jharney.blogspot.com.


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Comment (1)

Colin at 6:40am August 21

As one of the other leaders that went along with John with this trip, for the second year in a row, these are definitely four (of the numerous) lessons we’ve learned on these journeys. God will make sure that you have the trip he wants you to have, even if it means walking over 100 blocks, almost losing a kid, someone pouring their heart out on accident, walking through the rain downtown, or sitting on a bench taking in the marvel of the city all that it (and it’s people) have to offer. God can use anyone and anything. Even though we had high hopes for this trip, God blew past our goals and aspirations showing us that He knows where these kids are at, what will test them, and push them, and bring them closer to him. Thank God for his amazingness.
It was a great opportunity to rather than bring kids to the city to bring God to the city, to bring kids to the city to see God in the city. I loved watching them connect together in ways we could never have hoped for a group of students. He truly blew our minds.
I love that.