Should Introverts Be Young Life Leaders?

My friend Tim Branch has just finished writing a short
e-book for introverted Young Life leaders and I know it’s going to be a huge
gift to many of you. You can download
it here and read a teaser below. -Drew Hill

Here’s the thing about introverts: We don’t always love the
spotlight.

We don’t always love meeting new people. We’re more
comfortable being introduced at parties. And half the time, we’re a lot more
comfortable holed up in our room with a book than killing it in the middle of
the dance circle after Young Life club.

So what does that mean about us? Does it mean we won’t ever
make great Young Life leaders?

If you’re feeling insecure about your ministry for any
reason, you’ve probably asked yourself this question recently. So let’s answer
it: Can introverts actually make good Young Life leaders? You bet they can.

And not only that—they’re a necessary part of any
healthy Young Life team. Here’s why: High schoolers come in all shapes, sizes, and types. That
means high schoolers need leadersof all shapes, sizes, and types. Take
a second to imagine your Young Life club.

What kinds of kids do you see? Are there crazy, outgoing,
wild kids there? Probably. Are there kids who stand next to the crazy, outgoing,
wild kids, who don’t have quite as much energy? Yep. Now look over at the wall.
Are there some quiet kids leaning on the wall back there who don’t feel
comfortable in this high-energy social situation?

Those kids need a leader who understands them. Someone who
won’t overwhelm them. Who do you think is going to connect best with them?

As an introvert, I found I connected with these kids almost
instantly. And actually, I experienced a renewed sense of passion and
excitement for Young Life after I started pursuing them.

Having a person who can connect with the quieter kids at
club is incredibly beneficial for the team.

One of the things we always strive for in Young Life is
having a club that looks like the school. And in order to truly connect with
every type of hurting high school kid, teams need a diverse group of leaders
with a diverse group of gifts.

So are introverts good Young Life leaders? Of course they
are.

Being introverted gives you the ability to connect with
certain people in a way extroverts can’t. Just like extroverts can connect more
deeply with a whole different group of people.

I wish I had known this when I first started leading.

That’s why I just finished a free 27-page eBook for people
who don’t feel like their ministry fits the mold. It’s called Am I Really
Cut Out for Young Life? An Introvert’s Thoughts on Being a Leader, and
you can download it here.

If you’re feeling insecure about your ministry, or you know
someone who is, check it out and pass it on.

I wrote it because I’ve seen too many amazing people with so
much to give quit leading because they didn’t feel like they were right for
ministry. When the truth is, they’re perfect for it.

Encourage an introverted leader today. The team will be
stronger for it. 

-Tim Branch