Growing Young Core Commitment Conversations Session One Unlock

Growing Young Core Commitment Conversations Session One Unlock Keychain Leadership

10 Qualities Your Congregation DOESN’T Need in Order to Grow Young A precise size A trendy location or region An exact age A popular denomination… or lack of a denomination An off-the-charts cool quotient A big, modern building A big budget A contemporary worship service A watered-down teaching style A hyper-entertaining ministry program

Core Commitment #1 Unlock Keychain Leadership Fuller’s research reflected three-quarters of congregation members named leadership as the secret to their effectiveness. But this is beyond simply launching a student leadership team…

Leaders who demonstrate What type of leadership matters in a church that is growing young? keychain leadership v Whoever holds the keys has the power to let people in or keep people out v Unlocking keychain leadership means sharing power with the right people at the right time

What do we mean by “keys”? The capabilities, power, and access of leaders that carry the potential to empower young people

Keychain Leaders are Pastoral and Congregational Leaders who are: Aware Willing of keys on their keychain to take keys off their keychain Intentional about entrusting and empowering ALL generations, including teenagers and emerging adults, with their own set of keys

Keychain leadership is a spirit and commitment demonstrated by BOTH paid and volunteer leaders that permeates EVERY area of the church. If you are willing to entrust your keys to young people, they will trust you with their hearts, their energy, their creativity, and even their friends.

4 Types of Ways People Handle Their Keys 1. Key-less Leaders Young, inexperienced without much authority or access 2. Key-hoarding Leaders Always holding the keys and refusing to give others access – they run the show 3. Key-loaning Leaders Letting others borrow keys temporarily, but making sure they are returned quickly

4 Types of Ways People Handle Their Keys 4. Keychain Leaders • Very aware of the keys they hold and constantly opening doors for some, while training and entrusting others who are ready for their own set of keys. • Have a keen sense for where God is leading but leverage their strengths for the good of the overall church. • Able to constantly adjust, stay in touch, and be willing to persevere even if someone feels stuck.

Identify who is ready for keys in your congregation Help young people see the gifts in themselves and provide opportunities to use them. “I see this in you and I’m going to give you the opportunity to try this. ”

Six Essentials of Keychain Leadership Keychain leaders are mature – not always young. Maturity Keychain built out of experiences, failures, or other struggles. leaders are real – not “relevant”. More transparent, honest and comfortable being themselves. Authentic. Lead with vulnerability – YOU go first. Young people are drawn to people who recognize their shortcomings and mistakes. Keychain Don’t leaders are warm – not distant. have to try to be a best friend to everyone but are approachable and genuinely care and connect.

Six Essentials of Keychain Leadership Keychain leaders know what matters to people – not just to other pastors. Value and regularly practice listening to congregants to know what matters most. Keychain leaders entrust and empower others – they don’t try to be “Superpastor”. Entrust and empower others, believing they are just as capable as themselves. Keychain leaders take the long view – not shortsighted steps. Importance of consistent and long-term leadership

Empower Young Leaders to Envision New Doors with New Keys v Help young people try keys to different doors than normal v No more business as usual v The enthusiasm of young people is not a problem for your church, but rather a big part of your solution.

Jesus didn’t seek out those who had it all together. He made time to be with people. We’re invited to lead in the same way.