Bob's Blog

Being out in Indiana gave me the opportunity to catch up with friends. I had the chance to stay at the home of Nate and Joanna Zuck. Nate and Joanna are in their mid twenties and both are on staff at a church in Winona Lake. They were very kind in sitting for an interview on young adult leadership. Here is just a little of what they shared.

Bob: What do you look for in leadership?

Nate:

Someone who is real and has earned it. Nothing drives me more crazy than when leadership is handed to people.

B: What do you mean "earned it"?

Nate:

Investing in people. Whether they have a title or not, they'll invest themselves into others. I'll follow that person even if they don't have a title.

Joanna:

A person who is relational and authentic. They care for me. I don't have it all together so I want someone to take the time to get to know me.

Nate:

I think a person who knows every ones role...they should understand team work. I've learned from sports about going for the "big win".

B: "Going for the big win?" What does that look like?

Nate:

Understanding your team and getting them involved. That way you're multiplying leaders instead of one person or one group that's doing all the leading.

Joanna:

I also like to know where people are going. If I know where they are heading it makes it easier to follow. Education can play a part but it doesn't mean I'll follow that person just because they have a degree.

B: Do you think leadership opportunities in the local church are open to most young adults?


Joanna/Nate:

I'm not sure. I know we have deep passions and we desire to "go for it"... ...Maybe we're too young. Not enough experience to lead.

Joanna/Nate:

We do desire roles in leadership that are decision making... ...Yeah, our generation really desires to have those types of responsibilities that are impacting in and outside the church.

B: What do you think would happen if your generation doesn't feel they have a "voice" in their church?


Nate: My generation would leave after a while...

Joanna:

I think the key is wanting more relationship with those that are older than us. I think my generation wants more direction from those above us...to be mentored. I think some (older leaders) have reached out to our generation but I think it catches us off guard. We don't expect them to pursue us. Relationships help us to have a "voice".

Nate/Joanna:

Relationship is key for us but I'm not sure if our age group is committed... ...We're motivated by relationships but not very committed to them.

Nate:

It's all about the "experience" but what are we contributing?

B: So, even if you were pursued...

Nate/Joanna:

It's about our "personal journey"......The church or organization might be committed to us but I'm not sure if we would be (committed to the church).

Nate:

It can be all about "us" and what we get out of relationships. Maybe we need to learn a little more from those older than us on what leadership is...like Joanna mentioned about being mentored.

B: Thanks.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 4:29 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.