5 Ways to Develop Student Leaders

Can students lead? Yes! Sometimes when we observe high schoolers, their lives may seem misdirected and chaotic, but students lead all the time. We only need to pause, watch, and listen, and we can quickly see there are clearly leaders and followers. They lead in many capacities such as their social circles, social media, classrooms, sports teams, really everywhere. Many lack the confidence, experience, encouragement, or even the “know-how” to lead, but with careful attention and loving investments, students can develop the heart and drive to lead. It really is only a matter of developing and focusing their heart on kingdom purposes.

Take Them With You

Jesus called His disciples by saying “come follow me.” For three years Jesus took them with Him wherever He went and involved them in what He was doing. Jesus’ invitation was (and still is) for people to see His example of how to love the Father and others. He also displayed how to identify the needs of each person and how best to reach them. Jesus wanted to be their example so they could experience His ministry firsthand. His plan was to hand over the ministry to them, so He lead by example- showing them a way to lead that He knew they could apply to their lives.”

Take a student with you when you talk to a coach, share Jesus with a student, or lead a small group. Take someone along when you do your quiet time, go for a run, or even go shopping. Discipleship happens “along the way” so look for opportunities to take students with you. If something great happens, take a moment to debrief it with them. They need to see you lead so they can do it next time. Remember, a common rule of thumb is to never go alone, but use these opportunities to mentor someone else no matter what it is you are doing. Whether it is prepping for an event, speaking to a group, or ministering to individuals, always ask, “Whom can I take with me?”

Cast Vision

Vision is so important for every part of our lives. Knowing where you are going and why you are going there is motivating and empowering. We all need to know why we do what we do.

Cru’s vision is that more people would know and follow Jesus. Showing students their part in the vision can lift their view of their capabilities. They need to see that they can be part of something bigger, significant, and beneficial to others. Ask them how they see themselves contributing to the vision and how they can love those to whom they are connected.

Making the vision tangible can be a helpful exercise. Have students write a sentence describing their vision for their ministry on a piece of paper. Then engage them in coming up with three easy steps they could do to help reach the vision. Next, ask them what they could personally do to accomplish those three steps. You may also want to have them list the resources they would need. Then do all you can do to help them see that vision become a reality in their world.

Another great way to cast vision to a student is through the Key Volunteer Challenge. It is a great way to help students get their arms around how they can join God in His vision to see people come to know Him.

Give Them Ownership

Ownership is huge in building confidence. When you give students the freedom to take something and make it their own, then they will have a deeper connection to it. They will become invested and feel ownership. Jesus set this example for us. He delegated to the disciples in different ways. He employed them to distribute food to the 5,000. He also paired them up and sent them out to engage people with the gospel. Up-and-coming leaders need to be able to wrap their arms around something and make it their own.

Of course, each person is different and what is attractive to one person may be different from what is attractive to another. One student may love to be up front and emcee or lead skits, etc., and another may be scared to death of being in front of a crowd. Some students enjoy the background and can contribute in many different ways on a major scale. Every student does not have to be given great and grand responsibilities Giving them small responsibilities such as greeting at a weekly meeting or handing out comment cards can be a simple incremental step toward ownership and bigger responsibilities. Releasing things to them and giving them the freedom to fail will go a long way in building trust between you and them. This will also show you trust them and have confidence in their abilities.

Throughout history, God has used students to impact the world for the kingdom. That is still true today.

Encourage Them to Lead Where They Are

We do not have to go far to lead spiritually. This is especially true if you are a student. Students are daily surrounded by their peers in their classes, extracurricular groups, clubs, athletic teams, etc. Each student has multiple “spheres of influence” where they can lead by their faith. Simply reaching out to a student who may be sitting alone or helping a struggling classmate study for an exam are simple ways to lead with the love of Christ.

“Go into all the world” includes our immediate living space. Leading in our daily areas of life is simply enacting Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Who are our neighbors? Where are our neighbors? Our neighbors are those who are around us wherever we are. Helping your students see those opportunities and act on them is a huge step forward. That is “loving the Lord with all your heart” as you “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Point Them to God's Word and the Holy Spirit

All we have discussed is good, but will not be effective if the vision is not grounded in God’s word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We all are prone to DIY Christianity, meaning we easily default to personal fulfillment and actualization by what “I can do.” Our issue is not our ability, but our motivation and where we get the power for that motivation. Scripture is the only thing that helps with this issue and guides us back to dependence on God. God’s word empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is our foundation and battery for leading. Letting our students see our own need to rely on the Lord is the key to effectively leading in love. Walking them through God’s word in a simple study or referring them to scripture about a topic can begin a lifelong practice of relying on God’s word.

Students also need to see what scripture says about being “filled with the Spirit.” They need to understand it is simple submission to the Lord. We can help them see through confession and faith the Holy Spirit will enable them to live a life that honors God. Keep these things in front of them. They are the basic but necessary elements to guide us in whatever we do.

Throughout history, God has used students to impact the world for the kingdom. That is still true today. Whether it be in a classroom or speaking at a Christian meeting, a student who loves Jesus and wants to reach their peers can do it. They just need someone who believes in them and can show them how. You can begin to show them how they can impact their peers wherever they are and hopefully for a lifetime. Do this and just watch what God can do through your students as you teach them to lead.

Next Step

Think of 3-5 student leaders and identify one way you can empower each of them to lead and own the ministry. Now think of 3-5 potential student leaders and consider how you can move them towards leadership.

Sample Outreach Schedule

Mingling and refreshments
Welcome (3 minutes)
Campus ministry overview from the emcee (3 minutes)
Icebreaker: Famous Couples game (10 minutes)
Dating Game (20 to 30 minutes)
Student testimony with a relationship theme (4 minutes)
Relationship talk and gospel presentation (15 to 20 minutes max)
Comment cards (7 minutes)
Announcements (2 minutes)
Refreshments and hanging out (no set time)

The key is intentional planning with a relaxed atmosphere.

Game 1: Famous Couples

Choose an even number of participants and prepare a list of famous couples ahead of time, such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia or Romeo and Juliet. Write each name on a 3×5 card and as students enter, tape the name of one character on their back without letting them see it.

Each student may ask up to three yes or no questions per person to figure out who they are. They must also take turns answering questions when asked. The goal is to discover their identity and find their matching partner as quickly as possible. Continue until everyone is matched.

Game 2: The Dating Game

If you don’t have a lot of couples for this game, you could call it the “Best Friend Test” and have them do best friends instead. However, considering this party is about romantic relationships it is obviously better to have romantic couples playing.

This game is similar to the Best Friend Test you’ve probably seen on TikTok or shows like The Circle, or the old Newlywed game. (If you haven’t seen them, check them out). One person answers questions first, then their partner tries to guess what they said.

One partner leaves the room while the questions are asked. The partners in the room write the answers down. Then they come back, hear the same questions, and try to match their partner’s answers. Each correct match earns a point. The pair with the most points wins a prize.

The questions are light, funny, and all about how well you actually know the other person.

Dating Game Questions

For the girls (guys leave the room):

Which ice cream flavor best describes your relationship right now: Vanilla, Rocky Road, Peaches and Cream, or Tutti Frutti?
On your first date, which animal was he most like: Turtle, Kitten, Tiger, or Octopus?
How long have you been going out?
What is the most sentimental gift he has given you?

For the guys (girls leave the room):

Which Disney character would she say best describes you: Mickey Mouse, The Beast, Goofy, or Winnie the Pooh?
What song is “your song”?
What did you do on your first date?
What is her favorite perfume?
Which Valentine’s gift would she most like: candy, flowers, or a kiss?
What outfit is she wearing right now?

Optional non-gender questions

What is their go-to fast food order?
What song would they put on if they needed a hype boost?
What stresses them out faster than it should?
If they had a free day, how would they spend it?

What is something they are secretly really good at?

While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Relationship Talk

Overview

The relationship talk should be short, clear, and serve as a natural bridge to the gospel. Valentine’s Day provides an easy entry point into the idea that everyone is searching for love and meaningful relationships, yet few of us have good models of what lasting love looks like.

This talk introduces the idea that there is a kind of love that lasts, a love that does not depend on performance or appearance, and that love is found in God.

Introduction

Begin with a funny or embarrassing dating story to lower defenses and help students relate.

The Talk

Relationships take a lot of time and energy, whether with parents, friends, coworkers, or romantic partners. While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Psychologists often describe our greatest need as the need to love and be loved. At the same time, our greatest fear is that if people really knew us, they would reject us. Because of this, many of us wear masks and show only what we think others want to see.

Even people who care about us deeply can disappoint or reject us when we do not meet their expectations. That pain leaves us asking what real love actually looks like.

There are three common types of love people experience:

“I love you if…” love, which is conditional on behavior.
“I love you because…” love, which is based on appearance, popularity, or performance.
“I love you, period.” love, which is unconditional and unchanging.

What we truly long for is the third kind of love.

One Who Loves No Matter What

That kind of love exists, and it comes from God. God loves people for who they are, not for how they perform or what they offer. He invites us into a real relationship with Him where His love is constant and secure.

From here, transition clearly into the gospel and explain how students can have a relationship with God and experience His unconditional love.

If you’re not sure how to share the gospel, learn how to HERE

Comment Cards

Use a comment card to collect name, address, phone number, school, and grade. Include simple response options for students who received Christ, want more information, or want to get involved with your campus ministry.

Next Step

Plan your Valentine’s Day outreach early and involve student leaders in every step so more students can experience authentic relationships and hear the gospel in a welcoming environment.

Partnering with Other Ministries to Reach Your Campus

Groups like Cru, Young Life, and FCA each have their own strengths and strategies. Students connect with them for different reasons—it’s not “one size fits all.” We love and respect every group that’s helping students know Jesus. We’re on the same team, not in competition.

Here are a few ministries we often serve alongside:

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – Students gather in “huddles” led by coaches, giving athletes a chance to live out their faith through the sports they love.
Young Life – Leaders invest deeply in relationships, earning the right to be heard before sharing the gospel.
Church Youth Groups – Churches are a vital part of every community. Many youth leaders volunteer at schools or visit during lunch to connect with students. Cru isn’t a church—we partner with local churches to help students get plugged in.
Christian Clubs – Many campuses have Christian Clubs focused on prayer, fellowship, and Bible study. They’re often inward-facing rather than outreach-focused.

Cru’s Approach

We share Christ as soon as we have the chance, then build a network of small group Bible studies. We train students to share their faith—through group outreaches, personal conversations, and larger gatherings.

Why This Matters on Your Campus

When you are starting or growing a ministry, ask, “Who is already here?” Sometimes a group has been serving for years. Sometimes no one is reaching that school yet. Often there is room for more than one group to thrive because no single ministry connects with every student.

If another group is already present, the best move is to connect. Grab coffee with their leader, ask questions, learn what has been working, and listen for their challenges. Your posture matters. Come in as an ally, not a rival.

“We’re not in competition; we’re on the same team.”

Stepping Onto a Campus With Other Ministries

If you launch Cru where another ministry exists, remember these things:

Speak well of them in front of students.
Avoid scheduling conflicts when possible.
Focus on students they are not already reaching.
Be willing to partner for events or outreaches.

The goal is not to win students to your ministry. The goal is to help them grow in Jesus.

How to Start the Conversation

Approaching another leader can feel awkward. Keep it simple:

Ask how their group is doing at that school.
Learn which students they connect with best.
Share your heart for students and where Cru could help.
Look for ways to collaborate rather than compete.

You may be surprised how often these conversations lead to friendship and partnership.

A Simple Way to Explain Cru

When someone asks what Cru is about, you can say:

Cru is a network of student disciples who see their school as a mission field. We help students grow in their faith through small groups, training conferences, and mission opportunities locally and around the world.

When it comes down to it, no single ministry can reach every student—but together, we can make a much greater impact. Each group brings unique strengths, connections, and opportunities to the table. By cheering each other on, looking for ways to partner, and sharing a heart for teenagers to know and follow Jesus, we multiply our effectiveness. When ministries work side by side instead of in separate lanes, schools see more of Christ’s love, more students hear the gospel, and more lives are transformed for eternity.

Next Step

Reach out to a local campus ministry leader this week and start a conversation about partnering together.

Sydney’s Story

From Grief to Purpose: Finding God in the Storm

Growing up in a Christian home, she always knew about Jesus, but her relationship with Him didn’t feel personal until tragedy struck in eighth grade. Transitioning from homeschooling to public school had already pushed her out of her comfort zone, and anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place. Then, during the fall of 2020, both her parents contracted COVID. While her mom recovered, her dad’s condition worsened, leading to months of uncertainty. She vividly remembers the day he left for the hospital and the long, heartbreaking journey that followed. Despite moments of hope, her dad passed away on February 20th, 2021. At just 13 years old, she faced the devastating reality of losing her father—a loss that shook her world and her faith.

In the midst of that grief, she began to see God’s hand at work. During sleepless nights and moments of overwhelming sorrow, God surrounded her with people who cared—friends, family, and a community that embodied His love. Though the pain of loss didn’t disappear, she found comfort in the truth that this life is not the end. Inspired by Paul’s words about eternity, she started to see her father’s passing as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. That hope spurred her to action. On a family mission trip to Thailand, she met students leading Cru groups at their schools, and the seed was planted to start something similar back home. Despite initial uncertainty, God provided resources, opened doors, and brought others alongside her to launch Cru at her school—a ministry that has been thriving for nearly a year now.

"Anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place."

Her story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Through unimaginable grief, she discovered the depth of God’s love and the strength found in trusting Him. The loss of her dad deepened her desire to share Jesus with others, knowing firsthand how essential His presence is in life’s hardest moments. Cru has given her a platform to do just that—to tell others about the God who redeems brokenness and uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Her journey reminds us that while pain is inevitable, God is sovereign, faithful, and able to bring beauty from ashes.