Student Leadership Team

What Is Student Leadership?

Jesus expected leaders to serve.

Jesus gave his disciples an image of leadership that we use as our standard for student leadership within our senior high ministry.

“25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. " Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)

Not only does Jesus shatter an existing leadership style (being in charge), but he lays out a prescription of a leader that reflects serving others. Serving others is how we define ministry.

This type of servant-leadership is not attractive to most people. It goes in direct opposition to the attitude of running to the car to ride in the front seat and being first in line to eat. But this is the type of servant standard we want reflected by our student leadership.



Important Information

The Student Leadership Team is a year long commitment opportunity for 10th-12th graders. This means you will be with your assigned team Wednesday nights and attend every monthly meeting throughout the school year. 

We will have monthly meetings on a Sunday night to grow as leaders. Our first meeting is October 4th, 2026 at 5pm in the youth center. You must be committed to be at every Student Leadership Team meeting. If you cannot make it for some reason please let Quinton know. If you are a “no show” with NO communication, you will be asked to step down.

We’re asking a lot from student leaders and because of this, we realize leadership isn’t for everyone. Many students won’t want to rise to the high level of commitment, integrity, and character we are expecting. If student leadership isn’t for you, don’t worry about it. Not being involved in student leadership isn’t necessarily a measure of your spiritual maturity. We are committed to you and want to help you continue to grow spiritually regardless of your involvement.

Although we’re asking for a considerable commitment from our student leaders, there are also benefits. Student leadership has high requirements, but it also has high rewards. Part of the high reward student leaders receive is more intense and personal time with the youth ministry staff. We want to invest in the lives of our leaders. Just as Jesus ministered to masses, He also spent a great deal of time pouring His life into a small circle of people. 

Characteristics in a Student Leader that we’re looking for:

A Growing Relationship with Jesus. 

  • Student leaders who are actively growing in their relationship with Jesus.
  • They set an example through their choices, lifestyle, and attitudes that are Godly for other students. 


Teachability. 

  • Student leaders have to come in with an open mind, willing to learn all they can about their faith, leadership, and youth ministry. 
  • They are moldable, eager to learn, and willing to accept feedback that helps them become better leaders.


Commitment. 

  • Student leaders are consistent* in 412 and engage in our ministry whenever they’re present. 
  • Committed to attend a non-negotiable, monthly student leadership meeting.
  • Since youth ministry is but one part of a larger church, student leaders should be involved in the Church as a whole. (75% of the time)


A Servant’s Heart. 

  • Student leaders choose to lead by serving others, even when they weren’t asked to.
  • They’re aware of the marginalized in any setting and eager to talk with those who others often ignore.


The Willingness to Take Risks. 

  • Failure produces growth. To be clear, student leaders shouldn’t be reckless. However, student leaders should regularly step out of their comfort zone because when they do, they’ll be forced to depend on God in new ways. 
  • They should be willing to step out to greet other students at 412 and also invite their friends to appropriate programs.


A Positive Attitude. 

  • Student leaders set the tone for 412. For this reason, student leaders are positive to serve in their roles. 
  • They are responsible for keeping people involved in the group and raising the excitement level, as well as for student involvement at 412 activities and trips.
  • When plans go awry, student leaders will be flexible. That they’ll willingly go with the flow and in the process, find God in unexpected places and ways.

Student Leadership Roles

ALL STUDENT LEADERS’ ROLE

  • At the end of Wednesday night, everyone will work together to do a variety of tasks to clean up, tear down, and set up.
  • Some tasks may include vacuuming, cleaning up small group rooms, taking out the trash, stacking chairs, helping with special event set-up, check-in tear down, etc. 
  • This helps to ensure our youth center looks good for many years to come! 


1. Tech Team

  • This team will be responsible for running slides, lights, and sound in the sound booth during service. 

2. Welcome Team

  • Welcome people into 412 by saying “Hi” and talking with them.
  • Introduce new people to small group leaders and other students.

3. Photography Team

  • This team captures moments from youth group events, curating and editing photos to creatively share our story on social media.

4. Cafe Team

  • This Team is responsible for running the cafe before, during, and after youth group on Wednesday nights.
  • Some other tasks include: sweeping, wiping off tables, cleaning the slushie machine, taking inventory, restocking, coming up with new ideas for snacks, etc. 

5. Videography Team

  • This team will capture and create dynamic, engaging videos to showcase the heart of our youth group and amplify our message on social media.

6. Upfront Team

  • Helping with things like: announcements, prayer, reading of scripture, leading the game, etc. 


Team Lead – Role Description (NEW POSITION)


Each Team Lead is responsible for overseeing their specific ministry team within the Student Leadership Team. This role is only for returning student leaders. As a Team Lead, your role is to guide, support, and coordinate your team’s efforts to serve the youth group with excellence and purpose. You’ll work closely with adult leaders and other Team Leads to ensure your area is running smoothly and aligned with the overall vision of the ministry.


As a Team Lead, you will:

  • Provide direction and communication to your team members.
  • Help schedule and organize who is serving and when.
  • Check in regularly with team members to encourage, support, and disciple them.
  • Take initiative in problem-solving and decision-making for your team’s needs.
  • Communicate with adult leaders and collaborate with other Team Leads as needed.
  • Model spiritual leadership, responsibility, and a servant-hearted attitude.

To The Parents

We are especially concerned about the family life of our student leaders. We don’t want to create a ton of programs to keep students out every night of the week. Spiritual growth does not necessarily require sacrificing family time and commitments.


As far as a time commitment, we’re asking our leadership students to be out one night during the week (Wednesday night at 412) and attend a monthly leadership training meeting (two hours) for the rest of the school year.

 

What parents can expect from our youth ministry staff:

  1. We will Model Christian leadership for your kids.
  2. We will Mentor them in their leadership development.
  3. We will Monitor their growth as student leaders.
  4. We will Motivate them through encouragement and feedback.
  5. We will encourage them to Multiply by sharing their giftedness with others.

Once your son or daughter has filled out the application, we will ask you to give your permission (signature) to make sure you understand and can support the commitments we are looking for, and agree with the ministry philosophy of our church.


Student Leadership Team Application

Application is due Wednesday, September 24th at 11:59pm. No late applications allowed.


First Year Applicants

Must fill out application, and send reference form link to one Christian adult (not a relative).

  • Application (First Year)
  • Reference Form


Returning Applicants

Must fill out application. This is a different application form than the first year applicants. As a returning student leader, you do not need a reference form.

  • Application (Returning)