What does it mean to lead from a biblical perspective? What characteristics are essential in a youth leader? What does it mean to lead in the context of youth ministry?

These are some of the questions that participants in the youth leadership training program have reflected upon and answered this semester. In each region, local youth leaders are being equipped to serve the adolescents and youth in their communities. The theme of the this second semester has been leadership and most specifically leadership in youth ministry. The participants individually work through materials provided that including reading, reflection questions, practical applications. Then they come together in a regional gathering to share  and build on what they have learned together. Each region has facilitators who have been trained to lead these gatherings and accompany the local leaders, like Andres in South Coast, Juan Felipe in Antioquia, Jimena and Samuel in Bogota, and Brandon and Yaritza in North Coast.

This past weekend two of the regions gathered to finish modules 2 and 3 of the second semester. Participants in the south coast gathered together in San Marcos, coming from El Hato, San Carlos and Monteria. I was with this group back in June and was overjoyed when I received pictures and stories from their time together. Seeing the continuation of the process and the strong leadership of the facilitators is very encouraging. This group spent the weekend together and in the process grew closer together and left with more tools to lead in their churches.

The group from Antioquia also met. This time instead of meeting in Medellin, the participants from Medellin traveled to the town of Santo Domingo where several of the participants live. They took the two hour bus ride and got there in time to join them for worship. After worship there was a potluck meal and then they dove into the training time. Lina led a game that helped review and deepen their understanding of the history of the Covenant youth Organization in Colombia and how it supports local church ministry. Each person had the opportunity to share the impact that this formational process has had in their lives and how they feel better equipped to work with youth and adolescents.

Pray for the youth who are being equipped to lead and for the impact they are already having in the lives of adolescents and other youth. The other regionals continue to work through the training and meet together as well and Katie is finishing the last semester’s worth of material, which should be done by November.