The 3 Elements of Leadership: Are You Using Them to Unleash Your Small Group Leaders? | Ep 66

Ellen Hembree • January 20, 2025

The 3 Elements of Leadership: Are You Using Them to Unleash Your Small Group Leaders? | Ep 66

Empowering Your Youth Ministry Leaders - watch/listen to the podcast here.


In this episode of the Beyond the Youth Room podcast, Ryne and Keith discuss how to effectively resource your small group leaders. They emphasize that the primary goal is not just to have leaders serve, but to see them grow closer to Jesus in the process.


The conversation highlights the importance of setting clear expectations for leaders, holding them accountable, and building strong relationships with them. This "trifecta of effective leadership" ensures that leaders understand their roles, feel supported, and are motivated to serve.


Ryne shares a specific example of how he set the expectation that married couples serve together in his youth ministry. While not a hard and fast rule, this encourages couples to grow together spiritually and provides a valuable support system for leaders.


The podcast concludes with the importance of truly "unleashing" leaders. When leaders feel empowered and trusted, they can effectively lead their small groups, fostering genuine growth and discipleship among the students they serve.

In the next part of this blog post, we'll delve deeper into practical strategies for training, equipping, and supporting your youth ministry leaders.


Ryne emphasizes the importance of challenging leaders to grow. He acknowledges that some ministries may have leaders who are not the ideal fit. In these situations, Ryne recommends:

Prayer: Seeking God's guidance in navigating these challenging situations.

Open Communication: Having honest and constructive conversations with the leaders.

Focus on Growth: Prioritizing the spiritual growth of leaders over maintaining a specific number of volunteers.


Ryne highlights the importance of setting a clear vision for the ministry and trusting that God will provide the necessary leaders to fulfill that vision. He emphasizes that the primary goal is to see leaders grow closer to Jesus, recognizing that this will ultimately make them more effective in their roles.

The podcast concludes with practical tips for empowering small group leaders, including:

Providing clear expectations and guidelines for leading a successful small group. This includes emphasizing the importance of facilitating discussion and asking insightful questions.

Equipping leaders with the necessary resources. This involves providing them with study materials and resources ahead of time to prepare them for their role.

Modeling and encouraging personal growth in leaders. This includes emphasizing the importance of their own spiritual growth and providing resources for their personal development.


By implementing these strategies, you can create a thriving environment where your youth ministry leaders are empowered, equipped, and passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of students.

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Bridging the Gender Gap in Youth Ministry  Are you noticing an imbalance in your youth ministry? Whether you're dealing with more guys than girls or vice versa, it's important to create an environment where everyone feels included and connected. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips to help you bridge the gender gap and foster a thriving youth ministry. Understanding the Dynamics Women Build Relationships Face-to-Face: Women often connect through conversations and shared experiences. Men Build Relationships Side-by-Side: Men tend to bond over shared activities and common goals. Practical Tips for Youth Leaders If You Have More Guys Than Girls: Strong Female Leadership: Ensure you have strong female leaders who can connect with girls on a personal level. Create Space for Conversation: Provide opportunities for girls to talk and share their thoughts and feelings. Build Relationships Outside of Youth Group: Organize events and activities that encourage deeper connections. If You Have More Girls Than Guys: Vision and Mission: Establish a clear vision and mission that inspires and motivates both guys and girls. Balance Spiritual and Practical: Incorporate activities that appeal to both sides, such as Bible studies, service projects, and team-building exercises. Create Opportunities for Side-by-Side Connection: Organize activities like sports, games, or outdoor adventures. Remember, the key is to create a balanced environment where both genders feel valued and engaged. By understanding the unique needs and preferences of both groups, you can foster a thriving youth ministry that empowers young people to grow in their faith and relationships with others.
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