While I’m gone at Kids Camp these few days (and there are people still at home while I am gone. I am the only one out of town, for all the potential thieves out there. thankyouverymuch. DON’T ROB MY HOUSE. Kthanks.) I thought I would share with you the devotions I wrote for Kids Camp. You may remember me asking for your advice on the topics a few days ago. These are written for the high school group that goes. We do chapel skits, chapel games, are in charge of all the rec games and free time. The kids have their own separate devotions. The themes for Kids Camp this year were: Live LOUD, Love LOUD, Lead LOUD. Focusing on the LOUD, obviously. :) Enjoy!
LEAD LOUD
Today the kids will be learning about leading LOUD. The verse they will read and hear about is 1 John 5:4
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.”
“Leadership comes in many forms and levels. It is sometimes defined as the ability to create in others the desire to follow. Leaders need to know what they believe and why. As a Christian leader, you are a witness, one who shows others how to follow Christ as you follow the leadership of God.” To lead others to Christ you must first be following God yourself. God will lead you as you lead others.
How do you become an effective leader, and what will it take? Well first keep in mind that we were born to be victorious and overcome the world. We were born to lead unbelievers to Christ, and to lead believers to follow Christ. We’ve been given the power, courage, and strength to lead, but often we don’t tap into those things. We sit by and become a follower, but we weren’t made for that.
Also, remember that a leader is one who serves, not one who orders others around. Boss and leader are two different things.
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” – Luke 22:25-26
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. -Mark 10:43-44
Here are some examples of who leaders are and what leaders do:
Leaders practice what they preach.
Leaders live a lifestyle consistent with the standards they expect of others.
Leaders have a clear sense of mission and what they want to accomplish.
Leaders serve those they lead in practical, sacrificial, humbling ways.
Leaders use the power, courage, and strength they have been given for God’s glory.
Leaders listen and respond to the needs of those around them.
Leaders develop teams which create community.
Leaders share responsibilities and work through tough issues, gaining strength from mutual encouragement and accountability.
Leaders saturate their decisions with prayer.
Leaders do not emphasize themselves.
Being a leader is hard. There’s nothing easy about it, and the role of leading comes along with many responsibilities. But to be a leader is an honor, and to lead people towards Jesus is the best thing you can do. Lead LOUD and don’t be ashamed to lead people to Christ. The most important thing to remember about leadership is this: You must learn to follow God before you can learn to lead. Once you are ready to lead, lead others in the right path.
· In what areas would you be considered a leader? School? Church?
· In the list of examples above, what do you have the hardest time with?
· As we finish up this time at Kids Camp look for ways you can lead through serving.
Copyright, OneGirl, 6/9/11
Copyright, OneGirl, 6/9/11
