Four Ways To Grow Your Influence

Influence. The power to change or affect someone or something.

We've all experienced times when we feel like no one is listening to us - especially our students. But each one of us influences others every day. And living a life that reflects Jesus will always influence others for a lifetime.

Like It Or Not, You Are An Influencer

Influence has a positive value that encourages growth, especially as we represent Jesus to others. I remember hearing the phrase, "People do what people see," from John Maxwell. Ministers living out their life with Jesus in front of others has a definite influence on those around us. You are an influencer.

I love to think about the question of influence. What is influence? Why does it matter? How do we do it well?

Why Does Influence Matter, Anyway?

Consider the Apostle Paul's influence. He famously wrote 13 books of the New Testament. But his greatest personal impact was on the leaders around him. He took younger leaders with him on mission. He gave them responsibilities to grow their leadership. He coached their personal and professional development.

When it comes to discipleship, Paul's influence is probably second only to Jesus. His influence expanded the message and ministry of Jesus to new communities with a multiplication mindset. Paul influenced others in the name of Jesus throughout his years in ministry.

Today, the average age of a youth leader is between 25-35 years old, but if we do ministry right, we will always be a youth pastor to our former students. This crazy realization means that youth leaders have at least 30 years of potential influence on current and future generations.

Four Ways to Steward Your Influence

Here are four points of encouragement for you to live out your influence wisely in your ministry to students.

#1 Pursue Followership

Grow in your personal journey with Jesus. Paul said, "follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." As we grow and learn new things in our relationship with God, we are able to help others do the same. Remember, you cannot give to others what you do not have. Be intentional with your time and your energy to devote yourself to the followership of Jesus.

#2 Prioritize Relationships

Always focus on relationships over programs. Busy leaders invest their time and energy into many important tasks. But our tasks can never become more important than the people we serve. Our very best programs and projects will eventually come to an end. The souls of the people we serve are eternal. Take time, like Jesus did, to turn aside from your busy day today to notice and pay attention to people.

#3 Communicate Intentionally

Consider how your words and actions are influencing future leaders. Every word and every action is an opportunity to invest in someone else, and the people who look up to you today may be the leaders of tomorrow. Take the time to be intentional in how and what you communicate - and the life you model.

#4 Progress In Leadership

Find ways to learn how to lead better. At the Global Leadership Summit we often hear, "Everyone gets better when the leader gets better," and it is so true. When you grow as a leader, your students will become even better leaders through your leadership influence. Good leaders are learners. Keep yourself in life's classroom and God will give you opportunities to learn new lessons in every situation.

The Power to Change or Affect Someone

Influence is an amazing opportunity. I encourage you to remain faithful and wield your influence wisely... generations need and deserve our best!

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Dr. Randy Davis works to raise the leadership capacity of youth leaders so they can be a part of reaching every student. Randy holds a Doctoral degree in Semiotics and Future Studies and serves as NNYM's Executive Director/CEO.