Seth Godin has a great post up today challenging leaders to do the hard work developing people to change the world rather than to simply follow instructions. As a youth minister it’s my desire to push teens to become dynamic, world changing, Spirit led disciples of Jesus Christ. That desire goes beyond the typical “become good citizens and be kind to everyone” mentalities that most people have when dealing with teens. This mentality sets the bar way too low and, quite frankly, is easier too. The tough work lies behind looking at where teens are today and where they can be tomorrow. Seth puts the challenge this way:

It’s absurd to look at a three year old toddler and say, “this kid can’t read or do math or even string together a coherent paragraph. He’s a dolt and he’s never going to amount to anything.” No, we don’t say that because we know we can teach and motivate and cajole the typical kid to be able to do all of these things.

Why is it okay, then, to look at a teenager and say, “this kid will never be a leader, never run a significant organization, never save a life, never inspire or create…”

Just because it’s difficult to grade doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taught.

The challenge for me today is to remember that my job is to encourage, lift up, model, serve, and lead in a way that leads to life change not merely compliant behavior. What’s your challenge?

via Seth Godin