One thing that is often said by those in leadership development is, “Develop a leadership culture.” But, it seems they never explain how to do that. How do you point your students to leadership and help them want to serve as leaders and even not see “leadership” as a dirty word today, as some do.I believe you develop a leadership culture by holding leadership up, showing it is important and expressing appreciation to those who serve in leadership roles. Here are some ways to do that:
-Hang pictures of each year’s leadership team on a prominent wall in your meeting area, if you have such an area.
-Give an award each year to the outstanding leader as selected by the leadership team in a secret vote.
-Give a variety of awards—“Best Servant spirit”, “The Outreach Award” to the one who most reaches out to others and makes them feel a part of your ministry.
-Give or make available to each member of your leadership team a tee shirt that is unique to them.
-If you have an awards or recognition event/worship service at the end of their term of service, give each one a special tee shirt as an expression of gratitude.
-Give each one a tee shirt when school starts that advertises your main event or worship. It is a thank you and great advertising.
-If you have Ministry or leadership teams in different areas, make a snap shot of each and put them on a bulletin board with each person’s name under it.
-If you print a flyer or brochure advertising your ministry, put a picture of your leadership team on it.
-We give a key to each of our new ministry team members at the beginning of their service. The key is uncut (just like it comes from the store). We explain that each key will be different; each will open different doors; each will not look just alike. We ask them to carry the key all year as a reminder.
What are different things you can do that set your leaders apart? What are things that help those that serve know that you appreciate them? What will cause others to think about their possible service in the future? That is a leadership culture!
Arliss Dickerson
Leadership Development Contract Worker
Arkansas State University
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