Two of the words we use to describe interns are “authentic” and “secure.” Interns and residents can often feel pressure to perform well, get things right every time, never make mistakes, and have their ministry “game face” on at all times. They want to do a good job and serve well, but if we are expecting and valuing perfection over authenticity, we may be creating a culture that is not conducive to learning and can create added pressure, comparison, and insecurity.
It’s important for interns to be real and comfortable with being themselves, to show up exactly where they are and know they’re not alone. They are discovering their gifts, developing their skills, and trying new things. They need to know that it’s okay to make mistakes, ask lots of questions, and admit when they need help.
We share with interns that authenticity is a value of our church, and make sure that it is modeled through our senior leadership, staff, small groups, weekend services, testimonies, and staff meetings. We know that effective leaders are authentic leaders. Authenticity needs to be modeled to interns through your church’s culture, expressed through your leadership and staff at all levels, and encouraged in your interns.
Young leaders in ministry need to know that authenticity is not weakness–our humanity is one of our greatest assets in ministry! It might feel uncomfortable and vulnerable to share who we really are with others, but we want interns to know that living authentically is worth the risk. Why?
- It is emotionally healthy. Maintaining a persona of perfection requires enormous amounts of energy. But being authentic is freeing and a healthy way to live! “Confess your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 NIV
- It is spiritually empowering. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NIV Humility is not denying your strengths but being honest about your weaknesses—it’s spiritually empowering.
- It is relationally attractive. People want to be with people who are authentic; it is an attractive quality in a leader. “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.” 1 Thess. 2:8 NIV
- It is a mark of leadership. Being a leader requires credibility—the more honest you are with others, the more credibility you’ll have with them. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 NIV
- It increases the impact of my life message. “We have spoken freely to you…and opened wide our hearts to you…” 2 Cor. 6:11 NIV A lot of people speak freely, but they don’t open their hearts!
Through modeling authentic leadership, we can encourage interns to lead with authenticity. Leadership isn’t about being an expert at something or telling people what to do. It’s about serving people, and one of the most effective ways we can do that is authentically sharing our lives with people. Authenticity leads to trust, trust leads to influence, and influence allows us to serve people with significance and purpose.
In what ways can you model and encourage authentic leadership to your interns?
