This morning I hosted a Coaching Cohort with three student workers, and for 90 minutes we gathered online to share our journeys in student ministry. We began by introducing ourselves, how long we’d been in student work, and what context we were in. It was evident from the beginning that, despite this being our first meeting together, there was a sense of openness to be real.
As the conversation progressed, each leader took turns expressing specific struggles within their ministry. Having listened to their situations, the rest of us posed questions to help them explore more of their thoughts and feelings. It was such a privilege to watch each leader grapple with some really helpful questions that led them to a deeper understanding of their situation, what God might be saying, and where he might be leading them. There was a lot of encouragement for each other, and many shared experiences as we recognised common challenges and celebrated even the smallest signs of progress.
We then prayed over each person and agreed to set some clear action points that would help to address some of our immediate challenges, and in turn nurture the long-term health of our ministries. I left the session feeling energised and excited, confident that our time together was beneficial not only for these student workers, but for the Kingdom of God. I can’t wait for our next meeting in eight weeks, when we will reflect on our progress and plan new steps together.
Having reflected on our time together, I’m reminded of how vulnerability and accountability are powerful catalysts for transformation. As leaders, when we’re willing to journey the highs and lows together, we’re acknowledging that we can’t do this alone. We need Jesus, and by being in a space where we’re ready to grow and learn, we really are able to “spur one another on” and “encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Much like how Jesus welcomed His disciples, encouraging them to reveal their true selves and build lasting relationships based on trust and genuine care. Accountability isn’t about policing one another, but about fostering a community where everyone can thrive as they grow to become more like Jesus. So often the important tasks (vision, prayer, pastoral support, creative mission) can be overshadowed by the urgent (emails, event planning, amazon orders, meetings). All are needed, but when we know we're being held to account, we're more likely to prioritise the areas that we know God is nudging us to press in to.
What was particularly exciting about this Cohort, was that it was for those in a pioneering context. For some of these leaders, they had no students yet. And yet, they know the call of God in their lives, to see students come to know him. They are each living out the Great Commission, eager to make disciples and see more students come to know Jesus. What a privilege for me to get to journey alongside them and watch as mission is not just an idea, but a lived reality.
If you’d like to find out more about a Cohort, or sign up to be in one, click here.
