Who knew that the Aladdin and Jasmin performance of “A Whole New World” at an open mic night with my squad mate Daniel would be prophetic for things to come. I spent weeks (seriously… weeks) practicing this duet by memorizing words, practicing my singing, and choreographing a dance routine without even realizing that I was preparing to enter a whole new world. I literally am entering a whole new world of leadership, growth, relationship, and diving into my reliance on God. I have accepted a position to squad lead my approximate 50 squad mates. I have 3 amazing co-leaders that will be travelling this road alongside me. We also have an amazing mentor and coach team to keep us guided. Of course, I couldn’t forget to mention the people who have set the bar and helped mould and shape me into preparation for this season – my super great alumni squad leaders. My ministry time has essentially shifted from my focus still being field work but also my squad.
Vanessa Butler, an Adventures in Mission staff member, and previous squad leader answers some questions about what squad leading is. I figured she answered it so perfectly, that I would steal the words right from her.
Q: What are the roles of Squad Leaders?
A: To love those around us. That’s what I believe the heart of this role is: to love fully. To walk beside the squad, encourage them, and let them have a place to rest and know they are seen and belong. To speak what needs to be spoken and to challenge them along the way to step into more intimacy with the Lord and empower them to walk in the fullness and depth of who they are.”
“We also help with the logistical side of things; travel and debriefs and finances and all the other fun stuff that makes up the Race. We pour into the team leaders and try to develop them and set them up for success because everything will always trickle down. If we can support our leaders and make sure they are healthy and rested and filled; it will spill over into their teams and affect the squad as a whole.”
Q: What is the hardest part about Squad Leading?
A: So far, for me, it’s been realizing that despite my title of ‘leader’, I’m walking in as much of a new process as every first time Racer. It’s realizing that I’m not perfect and that more often than not, I need to take a step back and have a little grace for myself. It’s being ok with not having all the answers and learning the joy and beauty of patience through the process of getting to know an entire squad of completely different people as you carry all these hopes and dreams and love for them.”
I am so so humbled and honored to have this opportunity to walk into this whole new world with this amazing group of people. I am excited to be called higher by them, and show them all the love that this little heart can hold. This is the biggest opportunity to serve that I have ever been given and although some of the growth into this will be painful – I hope I am never in a place of acting out of me but always fully relying on God for everything that this season presents.
Just for fun I have included our performance of A Whole New World and some pictures of my new team – enjoy
Here’s the video link –> slow load but worth the chuckles…
