I was headed to Crested Butte, CO for an epic fly fishing trip. I was reluctant to go with a guide because I thought I should just figure it out myself. How vain and foolish that thinking was. As I look back on my decision to ignore my pride and partner up with a professional guide, I realize now that humility has some great rewards.
Do we love adventure for what we get out of it, or do we love it because it bends us more toward dependency on God? Leading others in the wilderness with attention to risk management requires hard skills to protect your group, but even more importantly, it demands having a shepherd-like heart.
What makes some leaders more influential, efficient, and productive? There is no formula, but here is a list of 7 things I’ve observed that successful leaders do differently.
For many youth today, their ipod or iphone is more important for them to have close at hand than anything else in their backpack. Since outdoor ministry is about first about transformation, outdoor leaders who understand the art of facilitation need to view this seeming obstacle to a “true wilderness experience”, as an opportunity to help young people see how their addiction to connectivity might be wounding their soul.
Imagine working on the International Space Station, having to live in such close proximity with a team of other people for weeks at a time. That requires a unique team. The wilderness helps groups quickly work through interpersonal and problem-solving issues to efficiently establish cohesiveness.
