A Small Town Young Life Staff person shares similar qualities to the majority of Young Life staff, but, at the same time, has a distinct set of qualities perfectly suited for the small town context. Below is a list of the character qualities observed in successful Small Town staff.
MISSIONAL: As always, look for a leader who loves Jesus and kids and wants to ‘find a way’ to make Him known. A staff person with the right motivation and in it for the long haul can have a major effect on a community.
TEACHABLE: In a small town, a teachable, humble, and obedient spirit is primary in the development of a staff person. In sparsely populated communities you need to listen first, ask good questions, and understand the nuances of a small town.
SELF STARTER: Loneliness is a major challenge for any Young Life staff person and even more so in a small community. The staff person needs to build teams, ask for help, and engage the community. The qualities of a trailblazer, self-starter, networker, and pioneer will come in handy.
LOCAL: A home-grown person can get you far down the road. Ideally, find someone who lives in the community, formerly raised in the community, or has ties to the community (spouse grew up there). Someone who understands a specific small-town’s culture and a known entity earns credibility quickly.
COMMUNITY-MINDED: The staff person in a small town can feel isolated by being a significant distance from other staff. It is essential that a support system is built within the community and local church.
FAITHFUL/INVESTED: It is valuable if a potential staff person can commit to an 8-10 year period. It can take this long to become a fabric of the community and school system. Longevity is critical for the goal of creating sustainable ministry.
PERSONAL INTEGRITY: Young Life Small Town staff live in a fishbowl, everywhere he or she goes there will be a club kid, supporter, or pastor, to run into. Because the staff person is on display at all times he or she must walk the talk.
7 OTHER HELPFUL SKILLS, INTERESTS, HOBBIES
COACHING: An easy way to serve a small town is by helping coach a sport (football, volleyball, drama, debate).
FUNDING: Personal support can help decrease local funding pressure and quicken on-boarding.
TRAVEL: To serve in a small town, an enjoyment of road trips and travel is a must.
OUTDOORS: Many towns work around the hunting /fishing seasons and rhythms of an outdoor lifestyle.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHING: A great way to augment a personal budget and meet key influencers in a ST.
SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RESOURCE: Staff with skills to serve the local school/community will be an asset.
BROAD SKILL SET: Staff with broad talents, skills, and interests will have several in-roads to small town life.