Tuesday, March 01, 2005

The Cost of Student Leaders

I love student leaders. I do. Even when they make bonehead decisions. I'm in the middle of a situation right now that - let's say, is going to require some finesse. Yes - I do have some finesse in the tool kit, I just seldom choose to use it.

It reminds me a situation we had in Emporia. Had a senior leading a life group of mostly freshman. The Matrix had just come out on video and he had been talking for weeks to these guys about sacrifice. True sacrifice results in life, the end of your self is the beginning of finding your purpose! Great stuff...

So, in a moment of sheer brillance, he shows the ending scene of The Matrix. Yes, the one where Neo gets shot all to pieces and how comes back to life and the happily ever after ending. Great clip that completely fit his topic.

One problem. His audience. Bunch of 13 to 14 year-old boys, most of whom had not seen the movie yet. Yeah, I got more than a little flack for it - which is fine. That is my job. I would rather take the heat for student's mistakes because I can turn around and use the issue as a teaching point without crushing his spirit.

And yeah, I could rant all I want about how I think every teen should see The Matrix then talk about the issues afterward but I'm not every teen's parent. And I don't know if there is a real danger to anyone's soul if they wait a couple more years to watch a movie.

But I love students. I still love the cost of student leaders. The reward is worth the risk.

posted by Grant @ The Cost of Student Leaders on 3/01/2005 03:00:00 PM