So this last week was a pretty awesome week for me. I was at the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention with the DYM team (which we hope to see you in Louisville next month) I came back having to do our student services. I planned it in a way where I didn’t have to speak or be on stage at all. I had no responsibilities for the services. I was not on stage once. I just got to be there and I’m not going to lie, it was pretty fantastic.

I think everyone should try and do this once in a while (have no responsibilities) and here is why:

I got to let my team step up – Sometimes the leader is the one who is holding back the organization because of the fear letting others run with it. Because I was gone, the team did what they had to do and they had to step up and man, they did. Your team of staff or volunteers will step up if you give them an opportunity.

I got to observe – Because I am usually in the service mindset and getting what I need to get done, I don’t get to observe all of the in’s and out’s of the night as I would like. This night allowed me to sit in our leader meeting, go out on the patio and observe what really goes on between our students and leaders, observe our tech booth, the service and I got to see everything and take notes. I learned quite a few things about our processes and they will be addressed to try and get better.

I got to be present – Usually I am running around before our services talking to volunteers, going over slides, doing service run through, going over my message again etc. On normal nights I get a good amount of student time but it’s never enough. As the head guy, there is a ton to do. On this night I left our leader meeting to our patio and just got to hang and be with students. It was fantastic.

I got to be thankful – It’s a really cool thing when you just get to sit back and see the ministry you have been put in charge of and just watch what is unfolding before your eyes. It’s a pretty special thing to take in. I remember I was standing in the back of the room watching our student worship and I got a little choked up because I realized what I get to be a part of. It’s great to strategically plan for you to have no responsibilities because you can be reminded why you do what you by looking at your volunteers and students and just say, “Thank you God.”

 

@justinknowles3