Over the past several months I have pondered the thought of “What Makes a Good Leader.” Being the Director of our preschool area Journey land
at TrueNorth church has been a great challenge as a leader. The “challenge” keeps me going.
Five years ago we started out with one campus in North Augusta South Carolina. Then, this year, we started our second campus in Columbia County Georgia. Next year we will start our third campus in Decatur Illinois. So as you may see, the challenges continue to grow.
In our first year my position looked like this; I was a co-director of our preschool ministry. I over saw the Classrooms, curriculum and taught the 3’s, 4’s and 5′ year olds. TNC was at one service so it was very rare that I attended a service. For the first six months of our church start I didn’t see one service. OK, maybe one or two, but for sure not in it’s entirety.
Then in our second to third year I became the Director of our preschool ministry. My great friend and co-leader, Laurie Bradford, decided to continue having babies, number 4 to be exact. With the demand of her family, she felt it best to give her full attention to them. Which by the way, I completely agreed with although I now had to go at this by myself.
That’s not completely the truth if I’m going to be honest. Laurie as a co-director replaced herself over the period of time she was in Journey land. She had many people in place so that when she finally walked out the doors of Journey land it would run as smoothly as if she was still the one there doing it.
The next two years are a bit of a blur to me. When I look back at all that has happened in Journey land I say to myself,” there is no way I could have done any of this.” There are a couple of reasons for that statement. Our number of children went from approximately 40 children to now over 100 on a regular basis. Our volunteer’s went from about 20 to now 94, approximately. And our TNC attenders went out of the roof.
My point behind all the numbers is this, “I can’t go it alone.” So here are a few things that I think are extremely important as a leader. I’m not an expert in this field, but through our mistakes and some great wins, I have learned a lot.
- Replace yourself: This is number one, we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
- Relationships: It’s one thing to put volunteer’s into place, but it’s another to make sure they know they are appreciated, they, like us need to be encouraged.
- Leaders: Leader’s train Leader’s….not everyone is a hands on person. We have those who are gifted in teaching, setting up – tearing down, those who like being with people but not necessarily with the children. Then we have those who are gifted in Leading them.
- Expectations: be clear on what you see as each persons responsibility, then clarify it.
- Vision: Continually cast the vision. Who are you? What do you stand for?
- Ask the Ask! what does this mean? Nothing gained if you don’t ask! The only thing someone can say to you is “No.” Don’t be afraid of “No.” Asking is the easiest way to let people know that they are “wanted.” It shows that you “can’t do it alone.”
- PRAYER: Remember, we can’t do this without our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask for guidance, wisdom, direction and favor. Seek Him first, remember ”this isn’t about ME, it’s all about Him.”
The list could go on and on. I am so grateful for all our volunteers and leaders in Journey Land. There are to many to begin mentioning them here. They know who they are, without them, what we do in TNC-Journey Land wouldn’t be possible. I am not “going this alone,” I never have. I have always had Christ walking by my side and passionate leaders and volunteers who have the same goal in mind, the children.
In His Name,
Nina Brophy-Fiedler
TNC-Journey Land Director
