Why Leadership?

[Emily Hitchcock Schloesser]

My experience with youth ministry and leadership has been so rich, and I have been
blessed in countless ways by it. In high school, I had an incredible small group, and
an amazing small group leader. The kind of leader whose door was ALWAYS open at
any hour, I knew where everything was in her pantry, and she would kick her
husband out of the bed so that I could have a sleepover with her ☺. Not only were
we always laughing and having fun, but more importantly, we held each other
accountable and followed Christ together. Not to mention we got to travel a little bit
of the world together! Needless to say, ministry was the absolute core of my faith in
high school.
Coming to college, however, I did not have the desire to be a youth ministry leader
at all (LOL God is so funny). He brought me to Fishy, and I was reminded of what
kinds of relationships I truly desire and cherish… Christ-centered relationships. I
have never really been especially fond of middle-schoolers, so it is hilarious to me
that I am walking with them now, and investing myself into their lives. It’s amazing
to me how much I’ve changed in only one short year of college. My desires as of
now are COMPLETELY different than they were at the beginning of my college
journey. I think it’s amazing that God looked out for me like he did. I didn’t choose
Fishy, and he knew I wouldn’t. He also knew that He would have to make it very
clear to me that this is where I was exactly supposed to be… which He did in really
hard, but very gracious ways. Right now, I’m at this place where I could not imagine
a life that The Lord is not in complete control of. I am so thankful that He chose
me! I find myself relating to Michelle Homberg’s statement, “Shoot, He loves me so
much, I’ve got to be his favorite!” It’s the perfect way to describe what it feels like
to be loved by God. So pretty much, I love that God knows me better than I could
ever know myself. I love that He looks out for me. I love that he brought me to
Fishy!