New Exec Leaders Training Weekend #2

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

On July 9-11, the new student executive leaders team met for their second weekend of summer training. We went camping at the Albion Hills Conservation Area and spent the weekend expanding on some of the visioning of the last training weekend and committing to some details for the coming year. This weekend was also co-lead with outgoing leaders Reuben and Ainsley. Reuben and Ainsley handled all of the arrangements and food preparation for the weekend and I facilitated the planning sessions.

There wasn’t that much time between this weekend and the previous training weekend (only two weeks), but it was amazing what happened during those two weeks. All the hostility towards the vision for campus ministry had completely dissolved and the students were actually excited about its implementation!

Within a few hours; the students had brainstormed ideas of what to study for the upcoming semester (1 and 2 Peter), how they wanted to structure large group meetings, how they wanted to transition into small groups, and loads of creative ideas for outreach amongst the larger student body! The one item, I really wanted the students to be excited about and have new vision around was how they set-up Campus Groups Day and how they would choose to be present during Orientation Week. These are two important events that occur at the beginning of the year, and how the students leaders approach these events is often reflected in the number of new members who join the group. Campus Groups day, is an 5 hour event that happens in the first week of school, where all of Gould Street is closed to traffic, and all the campus groups have a table to represent their group. Often these tables have sign-up sheets and general information and pamphlets about the group, as well as something to draw people in like games, prizes, etc. The student leaders were inspired to do something different with these events, choosing to not merely be present, but BOLDLY represent the group and themselves by using the skills and talents amongst them. Vanessa, a fashion student offered to make T-Shirts for the all the student volunteers that would be eye-catching and serve as a parable. Moses, a new media student offered to make posters and flyers for the event and communicate who we are by giving us a new website. The excitement that Vanessa and Moses had was contagious and inspired the other student leaders to brainstorm ideas of how they could use their skills and talents to outreach to students during the first weeks of school!

After our first planning session, we had some time to explore the Conservation Area, it was unfortunate that many of our afternoon activities, mainly swimming, were not possible in the Conservation Area and some of the surrounding parks, but we were able to spend some time bonding and laughing in our car adventures! Dinner proved to be an ambitious meal, and had its own set of complications, but in the end everything worked out and was delicious!

After dinner, Reuben led us in a session about forms and general information in regards to interactions with the Ryerson Student Union. It was very informative, and he brought examples of past forms. I was deeply touched by his investment in the new leaders and his desire to set them up well for the upcoming year.

Following this time, there was a brief discussion about the dividing up the defined roles. Everyone was excited and ready to jump in, and the roles the students chose, seemed to fit with their skills and passions. Brian, who enjoys structure and organization offered to set up the bookings of rooms for meeting and the arrangements for booking A/V equipment, as well as taking care of the financial forms required for reimbursement from the Ryerson Student Union. Moses, who enjoys art and design was excited about doing the website and promotional material for the group, as well as helping with snacks for our meetings. Jenna, who is gifted with superb interpersonal skills offered to be in charge of communications and be responsible for sending weekly emails and updating our facebook group, as well as putting together a community contact list so members of our community can be in contact with each other. Vanessa, this year’s president, will be in charge of overseeing the above roles as well as other tasks associated with the mentoring and discipling of members of the leadership team and larger community.

Following this session, we made a variety of desserts around the fire: ‘smores, banana boats, and an experimental cake baked in a orange. Everything was delicious!

The next day, after breakfast, we cleaned up the campsite. We had our last session, on the beach. We did a lectio divina, on Matthew 11:28-30. This passage really spoke to the reality of the group, as many were weary from carrying heavy burdens on their own. We spent some time in reflection and prayer. It was beautiful and peaceful doing this exercise on the beach, though at times it was a little too peaceful, as the students kept falling asleep! After we wrapped up this session, we had lunch and concluded the weekend.

This weekend was full of new experiences for me as it was my first time camping in a tent. It also was a redemptive experience having the students run with the vision and be excited about its implementation. It also felt like already this team of students were beginning to work together well, each had something valued to offer and was excited to do so. I also felt like a part of that team, there is so much that I have received in training and wisdom during my absence from students this past year that I am excited to share! I see opportunities to train these students in how to be invitational, how to call each other deeply, how to lead fully as themselves and appreciate the gifts they are and bring to the Kingdom.

I feel like I’ve used this word a lot in this post, but I am truly excited to see what God will do with this team in the coming year. And I pray that I will be part of His plan.

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