What is a high school PowerLife leader?

(9th & 10th grade students are encouraged to be leaders at WOW-Worship on Wednesdays) 

A high school PowerLife leader is a junior or senior high school student who assists the adult small group leader with facilitating a group of 6-8 junior high students of the same gender. The adult leader will partner with the high school leader to encourage and empower them to someday lead a group of their own. Responsibilities will be shared and both leaders will have the same expectations. The goal of our leaders is to model an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In turn, they also are to empower students to “reach out to the world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ,” as Hope’s mission states. 

What are the qualities of a PowerLife leader?

“A student is not greater than the teacher. But the student who works hard will become like the teacher.”  Luke 6:40

• Dedicated – We worship God, not tradition. God calls us to worship consistently and with passion towards Him, and to give our tithes & offerings to His church. Support of church leadership also reflects dedication.

            “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.”  Psalm 100:4 

• A Relational Person – We are one body, united in Jesus Christ. Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Make students feel welcome by smiling, learning their name, listening, asking questions, and showing a genuine interest. Sit by them, not other leaders.

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”  John 13:34-35 

• Passionate – Lost people matter to God and so they matter to us. Students need to see your energy and passion so they know the importance of having the Kingdom packed with people! There is no task too small for a passionate person; you are passionate about whatever you give your life to.  

“Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”  Colossians 3:23 

• Authentic – Following Jesus is a growing experience. No one has all the answers – don’t fake it. You grow through your interactions with students as much as they grow through your leadership. 

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and   receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.”  Philippians 3:13-14.

What are the expectations of a high school PowerLife Leader?

Time Commitment:

            * Attend each Wednesday night: Beginning Sept. 15. Programming for 6th grade is from 6:00-7:15 pm.  Programming for 7th/8th grade is from 7:00-8:30 pm.

           *Attend Leader Huddles (5:30pm for 6th grade leaders) (6:30pm for 7th/8th grade leaders)

            *Leader Orientation:  Wednesday, Aug. 25, 6:30-8:30 pm.
           *7th Grade Retreat (for 7th grade leaders only): Nov. 13-14, 2010
           *8th Grade Retreat (for 8th grade leaders only):
            Girls retreat=Feb. 26-27, 2011
            Guys retreat=Mar. 5-6, 2011

Consistent Attendance:

High school leaders must attend PowerLife every Wednesday.  This needs to be a priority in your schedule.  We understand there are times when you cannot be here, and will work with you to find a replacement.  Weekly attendance provides consistency and stability needed to build strong relationships with your small group.

Leading group discussion:

You will be provided with questions that encourage discussion with your group.  Between you and the adult leader, both of you will be responsible for asking those questions.  Share the responsibility of leading!  The main objective is to get them talking!  Being able to effectively facilitate discussion includes being prepared, understanding what’s being taught, and being able to manage behavior.  If at any time something is not understood, please know we are here for you!  Don’t be afraid to ask, otherwise we cannot help you.

Communicate and participate outside of church:

 Minimum expectations:

• Partner with the parents first by initiating a phone call to them and introducing yourself. 
• Show up on Wednesday nights, assist with teaching the lesson and make a connection within small group time.
  

Above & beyond: 

• Go to the retreats! 
• Be intentional with your students! You will become a trusted leader so it’s important to foster this with consistent communication with parents and students.

Interested in taking the plunge? Click here to apply.