So I started writing this blog like 2 months ago about things I have learned so far in squad leading… I don’t know why it never got posted (Wifi… India… who knows), but I was looking at it today and still COMPLETELY true. Squad leading has been and growing, stretching, challenging experience so far… here are just a couple of things I have learned so far.
The first 5 were from month 1, the rest are more recent…
1. You will have ABSOLUTELY NO idea what you’re doing most of the time. That’s OK. And when you’re struggling, they’re there with you. The team you’re with, your leadership team, the friends you’ve made throughout the race.
2. Sometimes your host, your situation, the team… anyone really will throw you a total curve ball. This is the perfect time to practice things like: “I don’t know the answer yet, but let me try to find it.”
3. I’m not positive, but if you are preparing to squad lead or are already there, it’s likely you want to be trusted by your squad. You probably want them to confide in you, talk with you, trust you, treat you like part of the team. Odds are… they want the same from you. Be candid. Your ability to build relationships or the relationships you already have are likely a big part of why God has put you there.
4. You can’t carry everyone’s burdens… That didn’t change with the title… don’t even try.
5. Seek God first… He will walk with you. He will sustain you. He will use you in MIGHTY ways to serve your squad. Trust him above all things.
6. When you’re going through it SHARE IT. Share it with your community, your “people,” your leadership team, whoever it is that God has blessed you with that you trust… share things with them. They’re there to help talk you down, talk sense into you and speak truth, but they can’t do that if they don’t know… let them.
7. Finances are a necessity. And they may be the worst part… Not everyone hates it but I certainly do.
8. Don’t be afraid to try to dive into new relationships with anyone and everyone on your squad. Squad leading is a privilege and so is getting to know each one of those amazing, unique individuals you get to do life with. Don’t be scared… reach out.
9. Give yourself grace… You’re new to this… or maybe even if you’re not, we’re all learning here. Give yourself time and space to learn, to fail and to get back up and try again. Try to look at yourself in this through your Father’s eyes. He would give you grace, so extend yourself a little too.
10. Let God use you and your gifts here too. If he’s gifted you with wisdom, use it. Insight? Use it. Are you someone people confide in? GREAT. Whatever ways he’s gifted you or created you to be. He will use it in this too… let him.
Seems pretty elementary, but someone’s gotta say it.
More soon!
-Dace
