Episode #08- We Talk Youth in Leadership with John Weicher

Michelle and Cliff talk with John Weicher about Youth in Leadership Live at ARW.

How to Rock a Committee
A Guide for Youth Serving on a Committee, as an Elder or as a Deacon

1. You are a full member.

You were selected to be a part of this committee (deacon board, session), and regardless of
your age, you are expected to fulfill the duties like any other member. You are not a “youth
member.” You are a youth, and you are a member, but you are not some sort of ‘junior
member.’ You have been elected to serve a full term (or to fill someone’s unexpired term)
just like any adult member is.

You were nominated because our church believes you have the gifts to serve well in this
ministry. Indeed, you bring gifts that would be lacking if you had said “no.” If you do not
participate fully, then your committee is down a member and unable to serve quite in the
way it needs to. (And there are lots of other youth serving, so you are not alone in this.)

2. Get to know your committee chair.

Make sure you know who your chair is for the upcoming year. Introduce yourself to them,
maybe even find some time to get to know them over coffee or a meal. They may not be
used to working with youth, so that will help them get to know you as well and make it
easier for your chair to use you well. Your chair is your friend.

Tell your chair your hopes for serving, why you said “yes,” and what makes you nervous
about it. Ask any questions you have about you’re your ministry does and about ways you
can help out in particular. Your chair will likely be eager to help you get comfortable and use
you well. More communication is always better.

3. Be there & be on time.

Make a point of being at every committee meeting and event you can. This is an important
commitment. You probably have other important commitments, but so does everyone else.
If you have to miss, let your chair know in advance and ask what you will miss.

4. Know what’s going on.

Read your committee’s monthly minutes when they are sent out. Ask questions if you don’t
understand what they say. Read the minutes extra closely if you miss a meeting.

5. Participate fully.

Try to have confidence in your ideas, because the committee will listen and take them into
consideration just as they would for any adult member. Don’t be afraid to speak up at the
meeting. You are there because you have something meaningful to share, your thoughts
included. As Presbyterians, we believe the Holy Spirit works through all of us being together
(hence committees), and you are a part of that. Try to stay on topic, of course, but don’t
worry if comment doesn’t move the conversation along (not everyone’s does). It will do so
more often than you think, and the rest of the committee will embrace you more for
speaking up.

6. Sign up for stuff.

Just like you should participate fully in the meetings, you should sign up as much as everyone
else for tasks related to your committee (deacon visiting, worship set-up, etc.). The
committee needs your energy and time. Everyone is busy – not just you.

7. Do your homework.

If there’s something to read, review or research for the next meeting, be sure to do it.
Because you LOVE homework.

8. Be your wonderful, gifted, faithful self.

You are serving as a deacon or committee member because the Holy Spirit has given you
these gifts, the church has recognized that, and it needs you to do God’s ministry in these
ways. That means be yourself, and you will be fine. And never be afraid to ask for help.