For those of us serving in NextGen ministry, we live in the tension of "middle management." There are people we lead, and people who lead us.
Scripture calls us to honor all people, but it's especially clear that we're to honor those who are over us in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12).
I invite you to take a few intentional steps to bless those who lead you. Whether your ministry setting feels healthy and thriving or strained and difficult, we all share this same calling: to honor our leaders.
Let's lean in together. Here are five practical ways to live this out, plus a 5-day challenge to help you put it into action.
1. Support Their Vision
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls... Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17
We're called to make our leaders' work a joy, not a burden.
- Echo the mission: Let your youth ministry goals align with your ministry's larger vision. Talk about it often. Let your leaders hear you affirm it, publicly and privately.
- Ask intentional questions: Try, "How can the student ministry reinforce what God's doing in the whole church or organization?" That shows you're thinking beyond your own ministry silo.
2. Speak Words that Build Up
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up..." Ephesians 4:29
Grace-filled communication builds trust and unity.
- Speak words of affirmation: Thank your leaders for their character or leadership, out loud, in writing, or through a text.
- Agree in public, disagree in private: If you have concerns, bring them respectfully in private. Unity is a powerful form of honor.
3. Show Honor Through Prayer and Gratitude
"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Praying for your leaders is both biblical and transformative.
- Pray regularly: Intercede for their family, decisions, and walk with God.
- Express gratitude: Tell them specifically what you're thankful for. Don't assume they know.
4. Serve Beyond Your Own Ministry
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10
Serving outside your ministry area shows humility and a kingdom mindset.
- Offer help elsewhere: Jump in to support another ministry team or project.
- Celebrate leadership publicly: Use your platform-whether on stage, in meetings, or on social medi-to affirm your leaders' faithfulness.
5. Stay Spiritually and Emotionally Healthy
"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching... for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:16
Leading yourself well is one of the best ways to bless those above you.
- Lead yourself first: Stay grounded in integrity, prayer, and rest.
- Invite feedback: Ask your leader, "What's one way I could better support or align with your leadership?" That kind of humility is a gift.
Take the 5-Day Challenge!
It's easy to skim a post like this and think, "Yeah, that's good stuff," and move on. But what if you actually took five days to intentionally practice honoring your leaders? You might be surprised how much it changes your perspective, and theirs.
Each day this week, set aside 15 minutes to take one simple action.
Day 1: Support Their Vision
Read: Hebrews 13:17
Reflect: How well do you understand and echo your leader's vision?
Action: Write down three ways your ministry can reinforce the collective mission. Share one with your senior leader.
Day 2: Speak Words that Build Up
Read: Ephesians 4:29
Reflect: Do your words reflect honor and encouragement?
Action: Send a short encouragement to your leader, be specific about what and why.
Day 3: Pray and Give Thanks
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Reflect: Do your leaders know you're praying for them?
Action: Pray for your leader by name. Then send a short note letting them know you did.
Day 4: Serve Beyond Your Ministry
Read: 1 Peter 4:10
Reflect: When was the last time you helped outside your own area?
Action: Offer help or encouragement to another ministry leader this week.
Day 5: Lead Yourself Well
Read: 1 Timothy 4:16
Reflect: What rhythms help you stay spiritually and emotionally healthy?
Action: Ask your leader, "What's one way I could better support you or align with your leadership?" Receive their feedback with humility.
Let's be leaders who make ministry a joy for those who lead us.
When we honor others, we honor Christ, and we build the kind of culture we all want to be part of.