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We get it.
You care. You want things to go well. You want the activity to be meaningful, organized, and on time.
So you:
- Plan every detail
- Make every phone call
- Set up all the chairs
- Run the game, teach the lesson, and close with testimony
Meanwhile, the youth?
They show up… and watch.
And while it might feel like you’re helping, you might actually be holding them back.
🧠 Why Doing Less Helps Youth More
Leadership is a skill. Just like swimming or welding—it can’t be learned by watching.
When we over-function as adult leaders, youth become:
- Passive observers instead of active participants
- Dependent on adults to “run the show”
- Afraid to try, fail, or step up
But when you hand over real responsibility?
They rise. (Maybe not perfectly, but powerfully.)
🔄 Shift the Mindset: From Performing to Participating
Youth activities aren’t about flawless execution, they’re about development.
Which means sometimes:
- The activity will start late.
- The scripture won’t be fully memorized.
- The message might be rough.
And that’s okay because growth > polish.
🔧 5 Ways to Let Youth Take the Lead (Without Losing Structure)
1. Assign Roles with Real Impact
Give teens ownership of:
- Opening/closing prayer
- Leading the icebreaker or game
- Choosing music or quotes
- Teaching a short spiritual thought
- Being team captains, timers, or materials managers
Make it clear: This is their group too.
2. Rotate Responsibility Weekly
Create a rotation chart so everyone gets a turn. Post it. Stick to it.
Consistency creates expectation, and expectation builds confidence.
3. Train Before You Delegate
Don’t throw them in blind. Take five minutes to teach:
- How to lead a simple group discussion
- How to invite participation
- How to read the room
Youth want to do well—they just need the tools.
4. Let Them Fail Safely
When something doesn’t go perfectly, resist the urge to step in right away.
Let the moment breathe. Then circle back:
- “What worked?”
- “What would you do differently next time?”
- “How did it feel to lead?”
That’s where learning happens.
5. Celebrate Leadership Publicly
Shout out their courage. Praise their effort. Thank them for showing up and stepping up.
Affirmation fuels momentum.
🧠 Final Thought
You’re not here to be the star of youth night. You’re here to create stars—faithful, flawed, learning, growing teens who are practicing real discipleship.
So step back. Let go. Invite them in.
Because the Church needs leaders. And they’re in your classroom right now, waiting for someone to trust them enough to lead.
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