5 Ways for Leaders to Encourage Leaders

Leader Kevin was doing everything he could to stay patient. He had had a hard day at work and he had come to club with a headache. Nathaniel, one of the usually well-behaved kids, had brought a friend and the two of them were engaged in continual silliness. Kevin had had to gently remind Nathaniel of the rules from the moment Nathaniel walked in the door. He was supposed to work on his sections during Small Group Time and Kevin even suggested he explain the Start Zone to his friend. Instead they talked and giggled and started sticking some tape on a boy who was working on a verse. During Large Group Time, Nathaniel “accidentally” on purpose fell off his chair to the amusement of everyone around him.

Now it was Game Time and Nathaniel was still showing off for his friend. Kevin, who never showed anger to the kids, was just about to be very angry when Josh walked over.

“Hey, Nathaniel, I need you over here on my team.”

“But I want to be with my friend,” Nathaniel insisted.

“Only 15 more minutes of club, you can handle it.” Josh put his hand on Nathaniel’s back and directed him to the green team. Then he looked at Kevin, “You can do the same for me some time when one of my kids is acting crazy.”

“Thanks,” Kevin answered. Because of Josh, the rest of the night went well.

Leaders encouraging leaders. Makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, the leaders are the ones in the trenches every week. They’re the ones who get to know the kids, who can see the frustration on the face of another leader who cannot get a boy to stand still or a girl to stop giggling. They’re the ones who pray together, who have a common goal of reaching the kids for Christ. They’re the ones who are “on site” and see what’s happening.

Josh saw that Kevin needed some back up and was quick to provide it.

But how else can leaders encourage each other?

1. Pray. Often leaders have the opportunity to pray together, but remember to pray for your co-leaders at other times during the week too. Or pray for them on the spot when you see when of them across the gym having a tough time with their team.

2. Remember, we’re all in this together. If two kids are messing around during Large Group lesson, ask them to settle down – even if they aren’t on your team. Maybe their own leader would make too much of a commotion to get to them from where he’s sitting. Help each other.

3. Watch each other’s back. Like Josh, be alert to leaders who may be having a frustrating night. You don’t even have to say anything, but simply do what you can to ease the frustration.

4. Say something encouraging. “Your team did great tonight. You have a fun way of encouraging your clubbers.” “I really appreciated what you said in Large Group lesson. I learned something and I’ve studied the life of David many times, so I know the kids learned something.”

5. Write an encouraging note or email. “Dan, I know you’re apprehensive about leading the Bible Quiz team this year, but I know you’ll do well.” “Thanks so much for bringing order from chaos when the van of kids arrived tonight ready for action. Your quick response settled them down write away.”

Again – we’re in this together. Be there for each other. Let your co-leaders know that you care.