Y-LEAD 2006

HARRISONBURG, Va. - Is leadership worth the risk? This was the primary question addressed at a conference for Mennonite youth on the Eastern Mennonite University campus. Forty-six Mennonite young people gathered from around the country to explore leadership issues at "Y-LEAD," July 27-30.

Youth and sponsors explored various aspects of leadership in workshops and worship sessions. Speakers talked about leaders in the Bible who took risks.

Glen Guyton, youth minister at Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va., spoke about Moses. Seventeen-year-old Daniel Lyman of Hartville, Ohio, said that "The example of Moses was good. He didn't think he was qualified, but God provided a way for him to do it anyway, and God chose him."

Sean Miller, 17, also from Hartville, said, "I've learned that leaders are going to have to take risks and it might be scary but you're going to have to step out and do it.

"I've been told that I'm a natural leader. and I really want to learn to step up and be more of a leader," Miller added.

Many of the students who attended already have leadership roles at their schools or churches. Sarah Freehan, 16, from Souderton, Pa commented: "I'm on campus senate back at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, so I'm learning to lead with integrity," said Sarah Freehan, 16, from Souderton, Pa.

Rose Jantzi, 15, Harrisonburg, Va., is also involved in leadership at her school. "The dean of students at Eastern Mennonite High School encouraged me to attend the Y-LEAD conference because I'm part of the chapel planning committee, and they wanted strong leaders in this group," she said.

"Kirby Dean (head men's basketball coach at EMU) had a great workshop,"

said Jantzi, "We learned different steps of being a good leader and what it takes to be a good leader with integrity. I've learned how God calls different people in different ways for leadership roles."

"Y-LEAD helps youth think about and develop leadership skills," said Jill Landis, coordinator for this year's event. "The gathering seeks to educate, empower and enable youth to be servant leaders."

Begun in 1994 as a Christian leadership event for Mennonite youth leaders and their sponsors and pastors, Y-LEAD is held every other year at a Mennonite university or college. Participants learn about various aspects of leadership while they connect with Mennonite youth from other parts of the country. - Laura Lehman Amstutz

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The worship team from Calvary Community Church, Hampton, Va., led music for several worship sessions at the Y-Lead conference.

Worship focused on "Leaders who take Risks." Speakers used biblical characters such as Gideon, Moses and Mary as examples.